Cummins Westport Inc., a joint venture of Cummins Inc. of Columbus, Ind. and Westport Innovations Inc. of Vancouver, B.C., has announced the commercial launch of the low-emissions B Gas Plus engine for automotive markets.

With up to 230 horsepower, the B Gas Plus is an advanced version of the Cummins Westport B5.9G engine, which has been in production since 1994. The new engine features electronic controls instead of mechanical controls of the throttle as well as the Plus control system released last year on the C Gas Plus which allows for improved performance and flexibility over a wide range of operating conditions.
Cummins Westport has received certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency based on test results showing emissions significantly below the levels set for Tuesday's emissions deadline. A family emissions level for oxides of nitrogen (NOx) has been established at 1.8 grams per horsepower hour, or 28% lower than the level of 2.5 grams set by the EPA. The particulate matter level is certified at 0.01 grams, or 90% lower than the regulatory standard of 0.1 grams.