STOCK TITAN

Westport Announces Signing of Investment Agreement to Establish Previously Announced Joint Venture with Volvo Group

Rhea-AI Impact
(Moderate)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Neutral)
Tags
Rhea-AI Summary
Westport Fuel Systems Inc. announces a joint venture with Volvo Group to accelerate the commercialization of their HPDI™ fuel system technology for long-haul and off-road applications. Volvo Group will acquire a 45% interest in the JV for approximately US$28 million, with potential additional payments based on JV performance.
Positive
  • None.
Negative
  • None.

The joint venture between Westport Fuel Systems and Volvo Group represents a strategic move to enhance the commercialization of Westport's HPDI (High Pressure Direct Injection) technology. This collaboration is expected to leverage Volvo's extensive reach in the transportation sector, potentially increasing Westport's market share and revenue streams. The investment of approximately US$28 million by Volvo for a 45% stake, with an additional earn-out clause, indicates confidence in the technology's market potential and the future performance of the JV.

From a market perspective, the JV is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions. The HPDI technology offers a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel engines, which aligns with global emission reduction goals. As regulatory pressures increase for lower-emission vehicles, the JV's success could lead to significant financial gains for both Westport and Volvo, as well as offering competitive advantages in a market that is increasingly sensitive to environmental concerns.

Financially, the structure of the deal with its earn-out component suggests a performance-based strategy that aligns the interests of both Westport and Volvo with the success of the JV. The upfront payment of US$28 million provides immediate capital infusion for Westport, which could be used to further R&D or reduce debt. The potential additional US$45 million earn-out could reflect in Westport's financials over time, contingent on the JV's achievement of certain milestones.

For investors, the short-term implications may include a positive market reaction to the news of the JV, potentially increasing Westport's stock liquidity and value. In the long-term, the JV's ability to deliver on its commercialization goals could significantly impact earnings and profitability for Westport and by extension, influence its stock performance. It will be important for investors to monitor the regulatory and government approval process, as any delays or issues could affect the anticipated benefits of the JV.

The JV between Westport and Volvo underscores a strategic alignment with environmental policies advocating for greener technologies in the transportation industry. The HPDI technology facilitates the use of natural gas, a cleaner fuel compared to diesel, which could help reduce CO2 emissions in long-haul and off-road applications. This move is particularly relevant as governments worldwide are setting more stringent emissions targets.

Adoption of HPDI technology through the JV could also serve as a catalyst for policy changes, encouraging further investments in alternative fuel infrastructures such as natural gas filling stations. However, the JV's environmental impact will depend on the rate of adoption and the ability to scale the technology effectively. Stakeholders should consider the environmental benefits alongside the commercial viability when evaluating the potential long-term success of the JV.

VANCOUVER, BC, March 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Westport Fuel Systems Inc. (TSX: WPRT) (NASDAQ: WPRT) ("Westport" or the "Company"), a leading supplier of advanced alternative fuel delivery systems and components for the global transportation industry, is pleased to announce the signing of an investment agreement to establish the previously announced joint venture with Volvo Group to accelerate the commercialization and global adoption of Westport's HPDI™ fuel system technology for long-haul and off-road applications (the "JV"). The closing of the JV is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory and government approvals. It is anticipated that the JV will become operational following the formal closing which is currently expected to occur in the second quarter of 2024.

"We are excited to execute this agreement and build on our success with the Volvo Group and our HPDI™ technology. We are motivated to keep innovating and investing in strong business relationships with leading organizations that share our goals, of which Volvo Group is certainly one," said Dan Sceli, CEO of Westport Fuel Systems Inc. "Powered by our shared vision for a cleaner tomorrow, we look forward to further collaboration and providing real solutions to decarbonize the long-haul and off-road transport sectors," added Mr. Sceli.

As previously announced, Westport will contribute certain HPDI™ assets and opportunities, including related fixed assets, intellectual property, and business, into the JV. Volvo Group will acquire a 45% interest in the JV for the sum of approximately US$28 million, payable upon closing, plus up to an additional US$45 million as an earn out depending on the subsequent performance of the JV.

About Westport Fuel Systems

At Westport, we are driving innovation to power a cleaner tomorrow. We are a leading supplier of advanced fuel delivery components and systems for clean, low-carbon fuels such as natural gas, renewable natural gas, propane, and hydrogen to the global transportation industry. Our technology delivers the performance and fuel efficiency required by transportation applications and the environmental benefits that address climate change and urban air quality challenges. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with operations in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America, we serve our customers in more than 70 countries with leading global transportation brands. At Westport, we think ahead. For more information, visit www.wfsinc.com.

About HPDI

HPDI is a cost-effective way to reduce CO2 in long-haul trucking and other high-load and off-road applications. Westport's HPDI fuel system is a complete system offering OEMs the flexibility to differentiate their biogas, natural gas, hydrogen, and other fuel product lines easily while also maintaining maximum commonality with their conventional diesel-fueled products. Using HPDI, greenhouse gas-emitting fuels like diesel can be replaced with carbon-neutral or zero-carbon fuels like biogas or hydrogen while maintaining the durability, affordability, efficiency, and performance characteristics that have come to be associated with diesel. For additional information on HPDI please visit https://wfsinc.com/technology/hpdi.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the closing of, and timing for closing of, the JV and the expected sum payable by Volvo in connection with its acquisition of a 45% interest in the JV.  These statements are neither promises nor guarantees but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on both the views of management and assumptions that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activities, performance, or achievements expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and assumptions include those related to completion and satisfaction of all conditions to closing set out in the investment agreement, governmental policies, regulation and approval, the achievement of the performance criteria required for the earn out described above, purchase price adjustments contained in the investment agreement, the demand for HPDI systems, as well as other risk factors and assumptions that may affect our actual results, performance, or achievements, as discussed in our most recent Annual Information Form and other filings with securities regulators. Readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. We disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in these forward-looking statements except as required by National Instrument 51-102. The contents of any website referenced in this press release are not incorporated by reference herein.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/westport-announces-signing-of-investment-agreement-to-establish-previously-announced-joint-venture-with-volvo-group-302084788.html

SOURCE Westport Fuel Systems Inc.

The joint venture aims to accelerate the commercialization and global adoption of Westport's HPDI™ fuel system technology for long-haul and off-road applications.

Volvo Group will acquire a 45% interest in the joint venture.

Volvo Group will pay approximately US$28 million upon closing, with the potential for an additional US$45 million based on JV performance.

The JV is expected to become operational in the second quarter of 2024, pending formal closing and regulatory approvals.

Dan Sceli is the CEO of Westport Fuel Systems Inc.
Westport Fuel Systems Inc

NASDAQ:WPRT

WPRT Rankings

WPRT Latest News

WPRT Stock Data

Heavy Duty Truck Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Link
Producer Manufacturing, Trucks/Construction/Farm Machinery, Manufacturing, Heavy Duty Truck Manufacturing
Canada
Vancouver

About WPRT

at westport fuel systems, we are driving innovation to power a cleaner tomorrow. we are inventors, engineers, manufacturers and suppliers of advanced clean-burning fuel systems and components that can change the way the world moves. our technology delivers performance, fuel efficiency and environmental benefits to address the challenges of global climate change and urban air quality. headquartered in vancouver, canada, we serve our customers in more than 70 countries with leading global transportation brands. at westport fuel systems, we think ahead. for more information, visit www.wfsinc.com.