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IFT Announces $1-Million Purchase Order from Asian Partner
International Fuel Technology Inc. (IFT) recently announced that its exclusive distribution partner in Asia, First Asia Fuels Corporation, has placed an order for $1 million of the company’s Diesol IFT fuel additive for distribution in China, Indonesia, and the Philippines. According to IFT, the order was triggered by positive field trial results with a government-owned electric utility in Asia. The six-month test measured the fuel economy improvement when the company’s Diesol additive was used to fuel large-scale stationary power generators. IFT noted that test results were in line with the company’s advertised fuel economy improvements for the additive and consistent with previous lab and field trial tests. Contact: Stuart Beath, IFT, phone: 314-727-3333, ext. 417, Web site: www.internationalfuel.com.

IFT Appoints SFT as Exclusive Australian Distributor
International Fuel Technology Inc. (IFT) recently announced the selection of Supreme Fuel Technologies Pty Ltd. (SFT) as the exclusive distributor of IFT fuel additives in Australia. According to IFT, SFT has placed an initial purchase order for 17,000 liters of the company’s Diesol IFT fuel additive for use in trials involving five of the country’s largest industrial concerns, all of whom are “significant users of diesel fuel.” The tests will focus on the fuel economy improvement realized by introducing Diesol IFT into diesel fuel at a 1:600 ratio. IFT noted that SFT’s initial purchase of Diesol IFT is scheduled to arrive in Melbourne later this month. SFT is a wholly owned subsidiary of IFT distribution partner Fuel Technologies Ltd. Contact: Stuart Beath, IFT, phone: 314-727-3333, ext. 417, Web site: www.internationalfuel.com.

Neste, OMV To Build Biodiesel Production Facility in Austria
Neste Oil Corporation recently announced plans to build a biodiesel production facility in Austria under a memorandum of understanding with Austrian oil and gas group OMV. According to Neste, the facility would be located at OMV’s Schwechat oil refinery and be based on the company’s next-generation, biomass-to-liquid (NExBTL) technology. Neste noted that the facility is scheduled to come online “at the end of 2008 at the earliest.” Contact: Kimmo Rahkamo, Neste, phone: +358-50-458-4247, Web site: www.nesteoil.com.

Polluting Diesel Vehicles Worsen Air Quality in Bangladesh
Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star reported earlier this week that its sources from the Department of Environment (DoE) have revealed that despite the country’s earlier ban on two-stroke engines, an influx of older, polluting, diesel-powered vehicles during the past few years has contributed to a dramatic drop in the city of Dhaka’s ambient air quality. According to the newspaper, a recent study recorded a particulate matter (PM) level in Dhaka of 200 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), far exceeding Bangladesh’s acceptable PM level of 65ug/m3.The paper said a Bangladesh Power Development Board (PBD) spokesperson noted that smog has become so heavy in the metropolitan region that the new Tongi power plant’s air filters recently required replacement much sooner than anticipated.

EC Adopts New 2006–2009 Mobility Plan for Brussels Staff
The European Commission (EC) recently announced the adoption of a new mobility plan for 2006 to 2009 designed to integrate the working conditions of its Brussels staff, including individuals’ mode of transportation, into the commission’s sustainable development policy. Under the plan, EC will provide commission staff free access to the public transport link with Zaventem airport and to two Eurobus lines running between the main commission buildings and other European institutions. From 2007, the commission will make a 50 percent contribution to the train, tram, or bus season ticket of any staff member who elects to forgo their commission car park access card. EC also noted that it would continue to encourage bicycle use by its staff. “The plan aims to bring the percentage of staff regularly using private cars down from 44 percent to 35 percent by 2009,” said commission vice president Siim Kallas. “In parallel, use of public transport should increase from 38 percent to 45 percent, bicycle uses and walking to 19 percent, and car-pooling to rise by 50 percent.” Contact: EC, Web site: http://europa.eu.int/comm/index_en.htm.

Renault Offers New Flex-Fuel Vehicle in Brazil
Reuters recently reported that French automaker Renault has introduced a new flex-fuel vehicle designed for use in Brazil. According to Reuters, the Hi-Flex Clio, which will retail for approximately $12,425, is equipped with a 16-valve engine offered in both 1.0- and 1.6-liter configurations. Reuters noted that half of all Renault’s European gas-powered vehicle offerings are expected to be capable of operating on ethanol fuel blends within the next three years.

Manitoba Launches Model Ethanol Fueling Station
The Canadian province of Manitoba recently announced that the provincial and federal governments have joined in launching a $174,000-sustainable transportation project to demonstrate the feasibility of using high-ethanol content fuels in Manitoba’s light-duty fleet vehicle operations. Under the federally funded project, Manitoba said fleet vehicles operated by both provincial and federal offices would obtain E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent standard petroleum, at a new fueling station in the province. “This station will serve our fleet vehicles in the Winnipeg area and eventually lead to providing this environmentally friendly fuel to the thousands of E85-capable vehicles now registered in Manitoba,” said Manitoba transportation and government services minister Ron Lemieux. According to the province, the federal funding of $121,000 and provincial in-kind contributions of $53,000 will cover the cost of installing an E85 storage and fueling facility in Winnipeg. The province noted that there are presently about twenty-five Royal Canadian Mounted Police vehicles and sixty provincially owned vehicles operating in the Winnipeg region that can use E85. Contact: Province of Manitoba, Web site: www.gov.mb.ca.

Ontario To Increase Tax Rebate for Hybrids
The Canadian Press (CP) reported last week that the provincial government of Ontario will increase the maximum rebate on sales taxes paid for hybrid electric vehicles from $1,000 to $2,000. “Ontarians last year bought a grand total of about one thousand hybrid vehicles,” said DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Chief Dennis DesRosiers. “It’s hardly a budget-breaker.” CP noted that a proposed sunset date is in the works for the rebate whereby the program would be reviewed after March 31, 2012.

Beijing Hyundai Official Says Company To Produce HEVs by 2008
China Daily recently reported that Beijing Hyundai chairman Xu Heyi has informed the newspaper that the company is looking to commence production of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) prior to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The newspaper said Xu also noted that Beijing Hyundai, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Company and Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation, is planning to produce fuel cell-powered vehicles by the end of the decade.

Eaton To Supply Hybrid Systems for Prototype Chinese Buses
Eaton Corporation recently announced it has been selected to supply hybrid power systems for two prototype buses to be built by China’s Beiqi Foton AUV Bus Company. Eaton noted that the hybrid power systems comprise the company’s automated transmission system, advanced motor/generator, high-power battery packs, and system controller. The systems will be integrated with Cummins ISBe 5.9L Euro III engines. According to Eaton, Beiqi Foton’s goal is to secure as many new orders as possible for the clean bus competition for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and 2010 Shanghai World Expo. Eaton said the buses are scheduled for field-testing this year in major Chinese cities. Contact: Don Ales, Eaton, phone: 269-342-3311, e-mail: donalles1@eaton.com.

ESW Catalyst Selected by EPA for Chinese Retrofit Program
Environmental Solutions Worldwide Inc. (ESW) recently announced that its Particulate Reactor Level II diesel emissions reduction catalyst has been selected by the Environmental Protection Agency for use in an agency-funded bus retrofit demonstration program in Beijing, China. Under the program, the ESW catalysts will be installed on transit buses owned and operated by Beijing Public Transport Holdings Ltd. The retrofits will be managed by the Southwest Research Institute, which will also contribute matching funds to the projects. The pilot program is expected to be completed by August 2007. Contact: ESW, Web site: www.cleanerfuture.com.

Shanghai Police Target Fake Vehicle Emission Decals
Shanghai Daily reported last week that city police have increased efforts to confiscate counterfeit vehicle emission decals that allow drivers to travel on Shanghai’s elevated roads and its Inner Ring road. According to the newspaper, police began to encounter the phony stickers after the city began requiring vehicles to display the decals on February 15. The Daily said drivers had a one-month grace period to apply for the sticker or have their vehicle’s emissions tested. The paper noted that the fake decals cost approximately $24, while the official sticker is free from the government, if the vehicle meets the city’s emission standards. Many drivers are said to have obtained the fake stickers to avoid paying the city’s monthly “road maintenance fee,” which is approximately $20.

Ad capital Looks To License Emissions Technology in Croatia
Ad capital Industries recently announced it is conducting negotiations with a private entity from Croatia for the sale of a license for the manufacture, promotion, and distribution of Ad capital’s Auto Emission Post Regulator (AEPR) technology. According to Ad capital, the AEPR technology is capable of reducing vehicle emissions levels by 97 percent. The technology is expected to help begin the process of bringing Croatia’s vehicular nitrogen oxide emission levels in line with the country’s Law on Air Quality Protection. Contact: Ady Golic, Ad capital, phone: 604-617-7694, e-mail: adcapital@telus.net.

GEM Partners with Matra MS To Offer NEVs in France
Global Electric Motorcars Inc. (GEM) recently announced that it would partner with Matra Manufacturing and Services to market its neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) in France. Under the agreement, Matra MS will operate as GEM’s exclusive distributor for the French market. According to GEM, the company’s range of NEVs, which will be modified to meet EU regulations for light and heavy quadricycles, are being offered in two-passenger, four-passenger, and utility versions. GEM noted that the partnership also includes the establishment of a European manufacturing and services platform for its vehicles in Romorantin, France. Contact: GEM, Web site: www.gemcar.com.

 CWI To Supply Engines for CNG Bus Project in India
Cummins Westport, Inc. (CWI) recently announced the commencement of a one-year demonstration of clean transportation technology in New Delhi, India, which includes six compressed natural gas (CNG)-fueled buses powered by CWI’s B Gas International engine. According to CWI, the demonstration, which is part of a Canadian consortium that includes CWI, ATF Advanced Technologies & Fuels Canada, Inc. (ATFCAN), and Dynetek Industries, will integrate technologies and products from CWI and Dynetek to demonstrate Canadian natural gas vehicle (NGV) technologies for the Indian market. “CWI is excited about collaborating with our Canadian partners to bring CWI advanced CNG engine technology to this bus demonstration project in New Delhi,” said CWI president Guan Saw. “We are thrilled to work with Tata Motors Ltd. in this project as Tata will be installing our Indian-manufactured CWI natural gas engines in their buses.” Contact: Jonathan Burke, CWI, phone: 604-718-2046, Web site: www.westport.com.

Israel Allows Segway HTs in Pedestrian Traffic Areas
Israeli newspaper Haaretz Daily reported earlier this week that the members of the Knesset Economics Committee have approved new rules that will allow Segway, LLC’s battery-powered, two-wheeled Human Transporters (HTs) to travel on the nation’s sidewalks or places intended solely for “pedestrian traffic.” According to the newspaper, the new regulations stipulate that HT riders must be 16 years of age or older. However, the newspaper noted that those operating the scooters are not required to possess a driver’s or vehicle license. The paper noted that the new rules also limit the maximum speed of the self-balancing HTs, which are capable of traveling at speeds of up to 20 kilometers per hour (kph). Before the committee approved the new rules, the newspaper said HTs were only allowed to operate in closed areas, such as malls and factories.

Honda Reported To Begin Producing Clean Engines in Japan
Japanese news service Nikkei recently reported that Honda Motor Company plans to construct a new $252-million plant in Japan to begin producing the automaker’s fuel-efficient vehicle technologies as early as 2008. According to Nikkei, Honda will likely produce 200,000 VTEC engines per year at the new facility, as well as V-10 motors and, potentially, engines for hybrid electric vehicles. Bloomberg New Service quoted Honda spokesperson Tetsuya Ikeda as confirming plans to develop a new Japanese facility outside of Tokyo, but declining to comment on the nature or quantity of products to be produced at the plant.

Lexus Launches New GS 450h Hybrid in Japan
Toyota Motor Corporation recently announced Lexus’ launch in Japan of the new GS 450h, the first hybrid electric sedan in the Lexus lineup. Toyota noted that the GS 450h, which is powered by a hybrid system designed specifically for rear-wheel-drive passenger vehicles, is available through Lexus dealers across the country. “The GS 450h is emblematic of the GS series, aiming...to offer, with its newly developed rear-wheel-drive hybrid system, advanced environmental performance, and a driving experience that stimulates people’s sensitivities beyond mere numbers and performance,” said Toyota. Contact: Toyota, Web site: www.toyota.co.jp/en.

Malaysian NGV To Build Forty New Fueling Stations
AFX News reported last week that Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-based natural gas vehicle (NGV) company Malaysian NGV Sdn Bhd has revealed plans to build forty new NGV fueling stations, with the goal of increasing the number of NGVs in operation in Malaysia from the current level of approximately 13,600 to 150,000 by the end of the year. According to AFX, the “Go Gas” stations will include facilities for installing NGV conversion kits, compressed natural gas fueling equipment, a showroom for NGVs, and a training center for mechanics. The news service noted that Malaysian NGV has issued a bid for the station’s compressor equipment with five companies—Gardner Denver Ltd., CompAir U.K. Ltd., Dresser Inc., Dresser Rand, and ANGI International USA—expressing interest in the contract, which is to be awarded in June.

Nepalese Transit Association Raises Fare Price for EVs
The Himalayan Times recently reported that Clean Locomotive Entrepreneurs’ Association of Nepal (CLEAN) president Umesh Raj Shrestha has informed the newspaper that an increase in the cost of electric vehicle (EV) parts has necessitated a rise in electric transit vehicle fare prices in Kathmandu, Nepal. According to the newspaper, Shreshta said that as EV parts now cost up to 40 percent more, the new fares are increasing by one to two rupees. Despite the fare hike, the paper noted that the price for using electric transit vehicles remains less costly than that for traditionally powered alternatives.

Spanish Official Says Automakers at Risk from Euro V Standards
Reuters reported this week that Spanish minister of industry Jose Montilla has warned the European Union that its proposed Euro V vehicle emission regulations could have a “serious impact” on the country’s automakers. According to Reuters, the stringent new Euro V rules would require automakers to reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission levels in diesel-powered cars by 80 percent and 20 percent, respectively. Additionally, automakers would have to cut NOx and hydrocarbon emissions levels in gasoline-fueled cars by 20 percent and 25 percent, respectively. Reuters said Montilla warned that these rules would increase the cost of Spanish-made vehicles by as much as 1,200 euros (about $1,400). The news service noted that Spain is Europe’s third largest automaker.

New Report Addresses Pollution at U.S.-Mexico Border Crossings
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the release of the ninth in a series of reports from the Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) advising the President and Congress on environmental protection along the U.S.–Mexico border. GNEB members include representatives from all four U.S. border states as well as nine federal agencies. To help retain good air quality and support transportation activities across the border, the report recommends bolstering infrastructure, technology personnel, and related activities through “substantial” new funding; intensifying long-range planning and coordination at the binational, national, state, and local levels to cope with the congestion at border crossings; harnessing new and emerging technologies and fuels to reduce emissions from diesel trucks, buses, municipal and private fleets, and passenger vehicles and identifying private/public funding sources to accelerate the process; and encouraging public transportation, ride sharing, car sharing, biking, and walking in border cities so that fewer people will drive alone. An electronic copy of the report, titled “U.S.–Mexico Border Environment: Air Quality and Transportation & Cultural and Natural Resources,” can be viewed online at www.epa.gov/ocem/gneb/gneb_president_reports.htm. Contact: Dave Ryan, EPA, phone: 202-564-4355, e-mail: ryan.dave@epa.gov.

Construction To Begin on U.K.’s First HOV Lanes
British newspaper The Times reported last week that U.K. officials plan to begin construction of the country’s first high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes next week. According to the newspaper, the 10-mile stretch of HOV lanes will be added to the U.K.’s M1 freeway, between the city of Luton and the M25 freeway. The Times said the lanes, which are expected to be completed by the end of 2008, would be restricted to carpools during the morning and evening rush hours. The paper noted that U.K. government officials believe the HOV lanes will help reduce congestion, despite a recent study conducted at the University of California-Berkeley which found that HOV lanes in the San Francisco Bay area actually slowed the pace of traffic and worsened congestion.

U.K. Report Considers Link between Pollution, Heart Disease
The U.K. Department of Health (DH) recently announced the publication of a new report by the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution (COMEAP) that examines the link between cardiovascular disease and air pollution. According to DH, the report finds that outdoor air pollutants are likely associated with increased deaths and hospital admissions for cardiovascular-related disease, but are not as great a factor as family history, smoking, or hypertension. “The evidence that exposure to air pollutants has important effects on the cardiovascular system is of public health concern and calls for greater research,” said COMEAP chair Jon Ayres. “Results from studies should feed into policymaking decision processes across different sectors of government.” Contact: DH, Web site: www.dh.gov.uk.

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