The study is timely as it provides an opportunity to highlight where Canadian companies can play a greater role, particularly in the supply chain for greener vehicles. Canada is already a leading player in the supply of innovative, lower emission heavy natural gas engines. Vancouver, BC-based Westport Innovations and its joint venture Cummins Westport currently supply natural gas engines to 18 North American truck and bus manufacturers with additional export sales to offshore markets.

"Westport is a leading Canadian company in the green supply chain for medium - and heavy-duty natural gas vehicles,"  stated Jonathan Burke, Vice President , Global Market Development for Westport. "And the global natural gas vehicle market is growing rapidly."

Canadian companies also manufacture components and sub-assemblies for medium- and heavy-duty natural gas trucks. Kelowna, BC-based Agility Fuel Systems  supplies modular fuel systems for compressed and liquefied natural gas. Calgary, AB-based Dynetek Industries manufactures compressed natural gas fuel storage tanks. Saint-Nicholas, QC-based Labrie Environmental manufactures refuse collection vehicle bodies.

"We are glad to see the Canadian market could be opening up for the use of natural gas in the refuse collection industry. It's a greener and quieter technology that has been used in the United States for the last 10 to 12 years," according to Claude Boivin, President of Labrie Environmental.

As demand grows for lower carbon vehicles, Canadian companies can be well-positioned to take advantage of market opportunities. Having a better understanding of Canadian capabilities can provide the basis for improved competitiveness and jobs for Canadians in the truck manufacturing sector.

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