NAFTC file photo

Manitoba Government Conducts Pilot Project on Cold Weather Biodiesel Performance
The Manitoba, Canada, government and Border Chemical conducted a pilot project which has demonstrated that the use of ultra-low sulfur biodiesel is possible even in the cold climates in some sections of Canada. The project, which lasted from October through March, tested a twenty-one truck fleet which operated well on biodiesel in long-haul lanes with temperatures below -40C, according to Border Chemical's General Manager Dennis Smerchanski. Contact: Dennis Smerchanski, Border Chemical; Phone: (204) 222-3276

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Now Home to Twelve Hybrid Buses
Twelve diesel-electric hybrid buses are now on the streets of the City of Hamilton, with the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) transit service in Ontario, Canada, acquiring twenty-nine of the buses. Federal and Gas Tax and Ontario Transit Vehicle Program funds helped purchase the vehicles. Contact: HSR; Phone: (905) 528-4200, e-mail: hsrserve@hamilton.ca, Web site: www.myhamilton.ca

Hybrid-Electric Buses Tested in Shanghai
The first hybrid-electric super capacity bus in China is undergoing a trial run in Shanghai. The bus, which was developed by the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) and Shanghai Ruihua Group, has twenty-seven of its parts individually patented thus far. SGCC said it will invest in charging stations cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Wuhan, and Qingdao. Estimates are that more than ten thousand vehicles will be put into use by 2010. Contact: SGCC; e-mail: sgcc-info@sgcc.com.cn, Web site: www.sgcc.com.cn

Hybrid-Electric Cars on Display at the Shanghai Auto Show
China's evolution into the world's fastest-growing vehicle market will be highlighted along with several hybrid-electric cars at the Shanghai Auto Show. Shanghai Automotive Industries Corporation will display its Roewe 750 gas-electric hybrid, which will go on sale in 2008. Chery will show its A5 gas-electric sedan, and GM will have its long-distance electric car, the Chevrolet Volt, on hand. GM will show approximately forty vehicles and Ford Motor will have fifty-two models at the show, including the Escape, a hybrid sport utility vehicle.

Draft Alternative Vehicle Regulations Issued in China
Draft regulations have been issued in China pertaining to the development and production of alternative fuel vehicles. The central government also has asked for expert commentary on how to quickly develop alternative fuel vehicles, with an emphasis on gas-electric hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells. Incentives to manufacturers, universities, and research institutes will also be offered.

Delhi Transport To Receive Five Hundred CNG Buses
India's top bus and truck manufacturer, Tata Motors Ltd., will supply five hundred CNG buses to the Delhi Transport Corp. The company will receive the buses in late 2007. Contact: www.tatamotors.com

Taiwan Will Institute Biodiesel Fuel Standards
Drivers in Taiwan will be required to add one percent biodiesel to their total fuel purchase beginning in 2008. By 2010, the amount will raise to two percent. Taoyuan and Chiayi counties have been designated as the first counties to implement the biodiesel program, with all of their gas stations supplying biodiesel beginning in July, according to Economics Minister Steve R.L. Chen. Contact: Steve R.L. Chen, Ministry of Economics, Taiwan; E-mail: minister@moea.gov.tw, Web site: http://w2kdmz1.moea.gov.tw/english/index.asp

Hydrogen Bus Service Trial Extended
Amsterdam's three hydrogen bus trials have been extended to January 2008. Three fuel-cell buses have been in operation by the municipal transport company (GVB) for three years "Fuel-cell buses are the future," said Amsterdam Councilor Carolien Gehrels. Contact: GVB; Phone: +31 20 460 6060, Web site: www.gvb.nl