Old news release re: lawsuit
Westport Innovations Inc. announces lawsuit against former supplier
VANCOUVER, May 20 /CNW/ - WESTPORT INNOVATIONS INC.
WPT: ASE
WESTPORT INNOVATIONS INC. announced today that it has commenced an action
in the Supreme Court of British Columbia against a previous supplier of
injector products, Strite Industries Limited of Cambridge, Ontario. The
lawsuit claims damages against the supplier as a result of its inability to
supply injectors and components suitable for use in Westport's engine
programs.
Westport halted its production programs with Strite in December 1998.
Strite has invoiced Westport approximately $800,000 for the work in process at
that time. Although Westport contests these billings, it has reflected these
charges in its financial statements pending resolution of the dispute.
This litigation will not disrupt Westport's normal business activities.
Westport has now identified alternate suppliers for its transit program. Other
manufacturers are supplying injectors for Westport's OEM programs and these
relationships are not affected by this action.
Westport is commercializing patented HPDI combustion technology that
allows heavy-duty diesel engines to operate on cleaner-burning gaseous fuels,
such as natural gas, without sacrificing performance or fuel economy. HPDI
enables diesel engines to meet challenging emission targets for nitrogen
oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) set in the U.S. and Europe with a
straightforward change of fuel injectors. The technology also significantly
reduces carbon dioxide (CO(2)) emissions to meet proposed global warming
initiatives. Westport intends to deliver HPDI technology for a wide variety of
diesel engine applications in partnership with leading diesel engine
manufacturers around the world. In September, Westport announced its first
such alliance with Cummins Engine Corporation, the world's largest producer of
diesel engines over 200 horsepower. Further details can be found on the
company's website at www.westport.com.
The Alberta Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the
information contained herein.
-0- 05/20/1999
For further information: Investor Information - Sarah Greenwood, Corporate Communications
Manager, Westport (604) 718-2016, fax (604) 718-2001; Media Information - Charlie Ker,
Marketing Communications Manager, (604) 718-2013, fax (604) 718-2001 |
