Westport snaps up alt-fuel company

Avatar photo

VANCOUVER, B.C. — Westport Innovations Inc. has picked up a European company known for its expertise in direct injection liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) technology.

The company acquired Prins Autogassystemen Holding B.V. for €12.2 million (US$15.1 million). Prins, which is based in the Netherlands, develops alternative fuel systems powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or propane), compressed natural gas (CNG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG) for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty applications.

With regards to its trucking applications, Prins has developed systems for six European OEM truck brands as well as global brands including Hyundai and Kia.

Prins has created a dual-fuel add-on for diesel engines with over 100 calibrations for LPG, CNG, and LNG to optimize the diesel replacement rate, has developed proprietary fuel control software, and offers bi-fuel, mono-fuel, and dual-fuel applications using LPG, CNG, and LNG.

According to Westport, the Prins’ acquisition will give Westport direct injection technology for LPG and CNG systems, and a well-developed portfolio of diesel dual-fuel aftermarket systems.

“Prins’ globally respected product line, their strong track record in continuous innovation and new product introductions combined with its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) relationships complement our products and OEM coverage to provide us with a great position as the go-to partner for alternative fuels solutions,” said Mehran Rahbar, Westport’s executive vice-president, on-road systems and applied technologies. “Westport has a great deal of experience with natural gas direct injection and believes that the combination of Prins’ and Westport’s team and technologies will further strengthen Westport’s dominant technology portfolio.”

Westport will incorporate Prins into its applied technologies business unit.

Avatar photo

Truck News is Canada's leading trucking newspaper - news and information for trucking companies, owner/operators, truck drivers and logistics professionals working in the Canadian trucking industry.


Have your say


This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.

*