I was just thinking that it’s been a while since Biglorryblog posted any news about those wonderful chaps at Turbine Truck Engines---the US company that’s busy developing a new generation of multi-fuel gas turbine engines for heavy trucks. Then what do you know? I get a press release telling me it’s signed a Merger and Exchange Agreement with Highpoint Transport of a Nevada which will provide further funding for its work.
Under the deal Highpoint will merge with TTE to create a new Nevada Corporation called Turbine Truck Engines NV which will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Highpoint. Furthermore the merger involves a reverse split of TTE shares and a $1m commitment by Highpoint to fund the Turbine Truck subsidiary over the next twelve months. “This merger will provide the much needed impetus in introducing our revolutionary engine to the trucking and transportation industry,” TTE boss Michael Rouse tells Biglorryblog.
TTE has already unveiled a prototype (pictured above) which, unlike previous gas turbine engines, seem to have a good fit dimensionally under the bonnet of a typical US class 8 conventional truck. It says intends to mass market its New Energy and Environmental Efficient Truck Engine in both the US and abroad. And for those worrying about the cost of petrol and diesel it can run on just about anything including propane, natural gas, hydrogen, methanol, ethanol or LPG, yet needs zero coolant, lube oil, filters, or pumps. Moreover, its unique, lightweight turbine design has few moving parts, significantly reducing maintenance costs. Apparently unlike old gas turbine the TTE engine features what’s described as “…an innovative cyclic detonation process which produces a complete combustion of fuel-oxidation mixtures, resulting in greater fuel economy and fewer harmful exhaust emissions.”
And in case you'd forgotten it above is a picture of the fabled Leyland Gas Turbine truck of the 70s seen here.For more information check out the TTE website.
Now click through here to hear what TTE and Highpoint has to say about the deal.
TTE’s Rouse reckons: “We’ve long awaited a business opportunity with an established transportation company. Highpoint is a perfect fit….the melding of our two companies will alleviate our capital shortfall while providing us with an actual industry specific test bed.”
Meanwhile, Paul Henley, CEO of Highpoint Transport comments: “We’ve very excited for the opportunity to team up with Michael Rouse and his team at Turbine Truck Engines. The technology they are developing is revolutionary, and very much needed to enable trucking companies to become more efficient in transporting freight, and to help reduce emissions. As a rapidly growing business in the trucking/freight systems industry, we see tremendous opportunities for coordination between our businesses to attain our goals.”
Biglorryblog can’t wait for his invitation to drive a truck with the TTE gas turbine in it. In your own time lads!
i think you will find a certain haulier from cambs. is restoring this very same gas turbine leyland.