NONOX AT AVANTIS
[BIZ: Hoensbroek, August 29] The engine, which runs on Natural Gas (either compressed or liquefied) has been developed by the Nonox team of professional automotive engineers and has now reached the stage of “Ready for series production”. The requirement for particle filters and the 50% cost saving against other fuels provided by natural gas mean this engine has arrived at the right time. An intelligent mechatronic valve makes the engine not only more economical and just as powerful as a diesel engine, but also more environment friendly: with CO2 emissions down 25%. It fulfils the strict environmental policy standards set for 2008. About a year ago Nonox established contacts with a large industrial group in Thailand, active in the automotive industry, which was interested in them. They have since signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and finalized discussions on a Licensing Agreement, which has been signed. At this moment we are building two engines, to be shipped to China at the end of August where they will be built into a Truck Chassis and road-tested in Thailand and China. This test program is expected to be finalized before the end of this year. The Engines will be assembled in Thailand and the various components will be either produced in Europe or in Thailand (as far as possible). Nonox is also negotiating with Dutch fleet owners (Vos Logistics, Hermes, Van Gansewinkel and Metaalcompagnie Brabant) proposing the introduction of the Nonox engine into their fleets. The deputy minister of environment Mr. Geel visited Nonox on April 13 last; Mr. Geel found it a very interesting visit and ensured full support from his Ministry. Nonox is being helped with the EUR 2.4m development costs by Heerlen (guaranteeing EUR 250,000); Economic Affairs (EUR 500,000); Eindhoven and another EUR 500,000 from Economic Affairs. Co-Director Wouter Luijten will be looking for the remaining EUR 900,000 in subsidies.
Nonox, which has been developing a Natural Compressed Gas Engine (NCGE) for heavy-duty vehicles (Buses/Trucks, etc.) over the last 8 years, is moving to Avantis, the cross-border Science and Business Park, set to spearhead new developments in Meuse-Rhine. If tests are successful, the first 5000 engines will go into production at Avantis next year, providing 25-50 jobs.
(Source: Nonox and Dagblad de Limburger - Frans Driessen)
http://www.nonox-bv.com/NONOX_BV.pdf