WESTPORT INNOVATIONS IN ALT-FUEL JV WITH CHINA’S LARGEST HEAVY-DUTY ENGINE MANUFACTURER
Published at 23.08.2008 in Components, International developments
Westport Innovations Inc.; Weichai Power Co. Ltd, China’s largest heavy-duty engine manufacturer; and Hong Kong Peterson (CNG) Equipment Limited have formed a joint venture—Weichai Westport Inc. (WWI)—to research, develop, design, manufacture, market, distribute and sell advanced, alternative fuel engines (plus relevant parts and kits) for use in automobiles, trucks, buses, power generation and shipping applications.
STRATHCLYDE PASSENGER TRANSPORT INVESTS IN HYBRID BUSES
Strathclyde Passenger Transport have agreed to invest an estimated £106,864 in converting two Optare Solos to hybrid buses. The move is part of the authority's strive to reduce CO2 emissions, fuel consumption and noise levels.
REVOLUTIONARY RETARDER FOR MIDIBUSES
Published at 15.08.2008 in Components, Safety
Voith will shortly launch the revolutionary secondary brake Voith Magnetarder in cooperation with the Japanese retarder manufacturer SMI (Sumitomo Metal Industries). The basis of this launch is a joint venture established in January 2008 between the Voith Turbo Product Group Retarders and the Japanese manufacturer Sumitomo Metal Industries. With the Magnetarder, the new joint venture trading under the name of Voith Turbo SMI Technologies (VTST), offers the ideal solution for vehicles in the 7.5 to 16 ton GVW segment.
ZF ELECTRIC DRIVE AXLE FOR LOW-FLOOR BUSES
A concept for a new serial hybrid drive for city buses is currently being developed by ZF Passau GmbH, the ZF Off-Road Driveline Technology and Axle Systems division. Two electric motors are integrated into the axle and are also used for energy recuperation during braking. The serial hybrid drive concept makes particularly economical and environmentally friendly operation possible, in particular for city buses with tough inner-city applications characterized by numerous starting and braking processes.
VOLVO ORDER FOR TELEMATICS SYSTEM FOR 1,400 BUSES IN BRAZIL
Published at 02.07.2008 in Components, Technology
Volvo Buses has secured its largest order to date for the ITS4mobility telematics system. The system is to be installed on 1,400 buses in the city of Goiânia in Brazil and will enhance the efficiency of bus operations.
