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Canadian Companies, Agencies Launch Electric Mobility Network
The Center for Experimentation in Electric Vehicles - Quebec (CEVEQ) and the Center for Sustainable Transportation (CST) recently organized a national workshop in Vancouver, British Columbia, to create a new network supporting the development of electric mobility in Canada. The workshop participants, who represented all regions of the country, adopted an action plan aimed at creating a network of all stakeholders with an interest in electric mobility for the purpose of promoting, accelerating, and implementing electric mobility in Canada's transportation system. The development of the network will be steered by an implementation committee which includes representatives from such private and public sector interests as Bombardier Transportation, Toyota Canada, Hydro-Quebec, BC Hydro, CST, Industry Canada, Transport Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Environment Canada, CEVEQ, Azure Dynamics, Unicell, the Ministry of Transportation of Manitoba, and Vancouver's TransLink. "Electric vehicles -- powered by batteries or fuel cells or through direct connections to an electric grid -- are a serious but so far underused alternative that can keep us moving without a major disruption," said CEVEQ Director General Pierre Lavallee. "It may be time to start serious planning for a future in which electric transport becomes the norm." The start-up activities for Electric Mobility Canada, including projects, will be managed by CEVEQ. Contact: Pierre Lavallee, CEVEQ, phone: 450-431-5744, e-mail: plavallee@ceveq.qc.ca.

Cummins Westport Engines To Power CNG Buses in Vancouver
Cummins Westport, Inc., (CWI) recently announced that the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority (TransLink) has selected the company's C Gas Plus natural gas engine to power up to 95 new compressed natural gas (CNG) heavy-duty buses that will serve the Vancouver area. According to CWI, the buses will be built by New Flyer Industries, Inc. Delivery of the base order for 73 vehicles is scheduled to occur in mid-2006. Contact: Heather Merry, CWI, phone: 604-718-2046, e-mail: invest@westport.com.

Enova Announces Debut of FAW 'Hybrid City Bus' in China
Enova Systems, Inc., recently announced that Chinese automaker First Auto Works (FAW) has introduced its "Hybrid City Bus," which is powered by Enova's 80-kilowatt Parallel Hybrid Drive system and produced at FAW's assembly plant in Wuxi, China. According to Enova, FAW has reported that use of the Hybrid City Bus results in a fuel economy increase of 38 percent and an emissions reduction of 30 percent. "We are very pleased that FAW has included us in China's National 863 Plan," said Enova chief Executive Officer Edwin Riddell. "We value their support and look forward to progressing with this partnership." Contact: Mike Staran, Enova, phone: 310-527-2800, Web site: www.enovasystems.com.

Hybrid Diesel Buses Commence Operation in Chinese City
Chinese news agency Xinhua recently reported that seven hybrid electric diesel buses manufactured by Wuzhoulong Motors Company, Ltd., have been placed into service in the city of Shenzhen in Guangdong Province. According to Xinhua, testing has revealed the buses save more than 15 percent in fuel than standard diesel models. Xinhua noted that 18 additional hybrid diesel buses are expected to be delivered to Shenzhen in "the near future."

Lurgi To Construct New Biofuel Facilities in Germany, U.S.
AFX News reported last month that process engineering and plant engineering company Lurgi AG has been awarded contracts totaling 170 million euros (about $202 million) for the construction of five new biodiesel plants in Germany and one new ethanol plant in the United States. According to AFX, the German biodiesel plants, which will be built in Rostock and Frankfurt/Hoechst, will produce 200,000 tons of the alternative fuel per year. AFX said the U.S. plant, which will be built in conjunction with Panda Energy, will produce 378 million liters of ethanol per year. The news service noted that Lurgi officials estimate the company has been awarded new plant orders totaling approximately 605 million euros (about $722 million) in 2005.

Northern Ireland Launches New Sustainable Transport Web Site
Northern Ireland's Department for Regional Development (DRD) recently announced the launch by its Roads Service Travelwise NI team of a new Web site designed to help relieve area traffic congestion during the holiday season through the encouragement of alternative transportation options. "The Travelwise NI Web site provides commuters with information about sustainable transport options that are attractive alternatives to being a lone driver in the car this Christmas," said DRD Permanent Secretary Stephen Quinn. "The Web site can help those who may be interested in finding out more about car-sharing, park and ride, and park and share schemes that are in place to help people get to work, school, and the shops during this busy period." DRD noted that the Travelwise NI campaign was recognized as "BestLocal Authority in the Field of Sustainable Transport" by the U.K.-wide National Travelwise Association. The new Travelwise NI Web site is located online at www.travelwiseni.com.Contact: DRD, Web site: www.drdni.gov.uk.

Israeli Finance Ministry Approves Tax Cut for HEV Purchases
Israeli financial newspaper Globes recently reported that Interim Finance Minister Ehud Olmert has approved a new measure that will lower the tax assessed those purchasing hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) from 40 percent to 30 percent. According to Globes, HEVs will now be eligible for inclusion in a different "value group," enabling them to be marketed to leasing companies whose primary lessees are businesses. Globes noted that while Toyota Motor Corporation's Prius is currently the only HEV available in Israel, a local car company plans to begin importing Honda Motor Company's hybrid Civic, with another importer looking at Ford Motor Company's hybrid Escape SUV. By 2007, Globes said Toyota also plans to begin offering its hybrid Corolla and Previa models in Israel, while Honda may introduce its hybrid Accord in the country.

Ener1 Subsidiary Receives Funding from Japan SBIC
Ener1, Inc., recently announced that its Enerstruct subsidiary, which is jointly held with ITOCHU Corporation, has received funding from the Tokyo Small and Medium Business Investment & Consultation Company, Ltd. According to Ener1, the funding will help further Enerstruct's ongoing research and development of lithium battery production and battery production processes for hybrid electric vehicle and other markets. Contact: Alys Daly, Ener1, phone: 954-2024442, e-mail: adaly@ener1.com.

South Africa Mulls Plans for Vehicle Emission Testing
The South Africa Press Association (SAPA) reported earlier this week that the nation's environmental and transportation officials are working to develop a program that would require mandatory emissions testing for many of South Africa's vehicles by as early as 2008. SAPA said the government is considering the emission testing plans in advance of new regulations next month that will require fueling stations in South Africa to offer cleaner-burning fuels. According to SAPA, the new fuel quality rules are the result of a three-year investigation into methods for controlling the nation's vehicle emissions. The news service said the vehicle emissions testing regime would likely be paired with regular safety testing and would provide a three-month window for drivers who fail the emissions tests to fix the problem.

Articles released with permission from: EIN Publishing - Copyright © 2005 by EIN Publishing, Inc.
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