Cummins Westport launches B LPG Plus propane engine

Cummins Westport Inc. announced today the commercial launch of a new low-emissions LPG (liquid petroleum gas) engine for mid-size truck and bus applications. Available for order May 15, the 195-horsepower Cummins Westport B LPG Plus propane engine features the same advanced technologies found in the Cummins Westport C Gas Plus and B Gas Plus natural gas engines. These features include: drive-by-wire technology; advanced electronic controls; improved sensors; knock detection and wider range fuel capability. The engine will be available in new vehicles manufactured by ElDorado National, Elgin Sweeper Co., Ottawa Truck, and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp.Since December 2002, the City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) has been operating a B LPG Plus engine, installed in 30-foot ElDorado buses."The B LPG Plus has shown us that there are significant improvements that help the drivability of the buses," said Rick Martorana, Senior Heavy- Duty Engineer for LADOT. "We're very pleased with the support we've gotten from Cummins Cal Pacific, and we look forward to seeing more of these engines in our fleet."Hugh Foden, President of Cummins Westport says, "The positive feedback we've received on the performance of the B LPG Plus has confirmed our expectations for this engine. There is a significant opportunity for this engine with mid-size truck and bus customers who are looking for a robust and reliable LPG engine. We're confident our proven Plus technology delivers real customer value, and we look forward to expanding our business into this market area."The low-emissions spark-ignited LPG engine is ideal for mid-size delivery and pickup trucks, shuttle buses, school buses, sweepers, yard spotters and refuse trucks in geographic areas where LPG is available and economical. In the US, over 280,000 LPG internal combustion engines were in operation in 2002 and worldwide, nearly 4 million vehicles run on LPG.The B LPG Plus engine is certified to emit 12% less oxides of nitrogen and non-methane hydrocarbons and 70% less particulate matter than the coming 2004 ceilings established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for heavy-duty trucks and buses.