Westport Innovations Inc. and Delphi Automotive PLC has partnered to co-develop and manufacture high-pressure natural gas fuel injectors designed for multiple engine OEMs.
The first in a family of injectors to be developed will be one of the core components of Westport’s recently announced HPDI 2.0 fuel system.
Under the terms of the agreement, Westport will combine its more than 20 years of natural gas high-pressure direct injection research with Delphi’s powertrain technology portfolio to create and manufacture a mass-market-ready natural gas injector to power multiple engine platforms.
“Our agreement and investment with Delphi combines intellectual property with global production capacity at one of the world’s most sophisticated injector facilities,” says David Demers, CEO of Westport. “Delphi’s support for natural gas fuel systems and Westport HPDI means having an integrated and dedicated manufacturing partner to develop and produce components that will help create a landmark product with industry defining pricing, quality and performance characteristics for global engine OEMs.”
Westport says it will invest in tooling, manufacturing, assembly, and end of line test equipment within Delphi’s global production footprint. Delphi will provide injector designers and engineering resources to work with Westport’s experts to optimize design, development, manufacturing, and assembly of the injectors, the company says.
Based on current OEM projections, Delphi and Westport are intending to invest in and develop annual production capacity in excess of 100,000 injectors within the next four years.
“Delphi sees natural gas as an important part of mainstream transportation and believes that Westport HPDI will be the industry standard technology for natural gas-powered heavy-duty applications,” said Jeff Owens, chief technology officer of Delphi. “Working with Westport to create a highly scalable, quality production partnership and reduce system pricing for HPDI is a great opportunity to help change the trucking world.”
