Westport Launches Bi-Fuel Volvo in Belgium and Luxembourg
Westport Innovations Inc., engineering advanced natural gas engines and vehicles, has launched Bi-Fuel Volvo cars in Belgium and Luxembourg in connection with Volvo Car Belux. Unveiled for the Belgium market at the 94th European Motor Show in Brussels, the 2016 Volvo V60 Bi-Fuel car will be available for order at participating Volvo dealers in the region from January 2016.
“Using compressed natural gas brings several advantages including lower emissions, less engine wear due to reduced residue production, and lower fuel consumption compared to a traditional petrol engine. This car is future forward, reducing CO2 emissions from 149g to 116g, and when operated using biogas, the emissions fall further to 38g. We won a “Tour de Belgique New Energy” award in November 2015 based on the car’s low fuel consumption. I am confident that the launch of this new product, the result of a successful partnership with Westport, will attract new customers to Volvo,” said Wim Maes, Managing Director of Volvo Car Belux.
“Westport’s global leadership in performance natural gas engine technology is built on years of innovation and experience working with automotive and engine OEMs to deliver practical product solutions. We continue to find new ways to meet future emissions reduction targets using alternative fuels and advanced engine technologies,” said Nancy Gougarty, President and COO of Westport.
“Following on the success of Volvo Bi-Fuel cars in Sweden, this is the first export market for the vehicles and has attracted interest from fleets, dealers, and governments who support the reality of cleaner vehicles,” added Per-Inge Kruse, Customer Director for Westport. “Bringing Bi-Fuel Volvo cars to new markets will add value to customers who seek the environmental benefits of compressed natural gas, but also want the performance, premium quality and safety that Volvo brings.”
The Belgian natural gas association (ARGB/KVBG) will showcase a 2016 Volvo V60 Bi-Fuel car in Hall 6 at the European Motor Show in Brussels this week, with another V60 available for test drives.
Belgium currently boasts 40 natural gas fuel stations with 30 more planned for 2016. The number of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles on the road increased from 650 to 2,600 between December 2013 and December, 2015. Through tax incentives and other initiatives, Belgium’s Flemish Region alone plans to increase its natural gas vehicles to 40,000 units and the number of stations to 300 by 2020.
https://www.ngvglobal.com/blog/westport-launches-bi-fuel-volvo-in-belgium-and-luxembourg-0113