US-based Cummins Westport (CWI) has reported a follow-on order for 50 of its C Gas Plus engines to Egypt. This sale brings the total to 100 C series engines in use a the Greater Cairo Bus Company and the Cairo Transit Authority.
Cummins’ Westport C Gas Plus low-emissions natural gas engines will be installed in transit buses manufactured by Thomas Bus for delivery this quarter, stated a press release.
This engine order is the initiative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Cairo Air Improvement Project (CAIP). CAIP monitors air quality and funds air quality improvement projects in Cairo, and instituted the first vehicle emissions testing program on the African continent.
One of CAIP's key initiatives is to encourage the two large transit agencies in Cairo to switch from older diesel-fueled buses to new low-emissions buses. Together the two transit fleets operate more than 3,500 diesel buses.
"This sale will act as a springboard to other equally viable market opportunities in the Middle East and is in keeping with our mandate of international market expansion," said President of CWI, Hugh Foden.
CWI, a joint venture of Cummins and Westport Innovations, develops and markets low-emissions, alternative fuel engines manufactured by Cummins. Cummins is involved in the production of engines, electrical power generation systems and related technologies. Westport Innovations is a developer of natural gas and hydrogen-fueled engines.
Egypt ranks as one of the top ten countries in the world whose air quality is below World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and the capital city of Cairo, home to nearly 15 million people, has the worst air pollution in Egypt. However, the country has the natural resources and has actively mandated legislation that will affect positive change on its environment. This is being accomplished by tapping its vast reserves of natural gas, the continued development of its extensive pipeline infrastructure and its scheduled completion of the first of two LNG export terminals this year. — (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
