VANCOUVER—Westport Innovations Inc. has announced an agreement with Indias Tata Motors to develop an engine for light- and medium-duty trucks and buses.

Details of the combustion technology were being withheld for competitive reasons, Westport said.

Vancouver-based Westport develops engines that operate on clean-burning fuels such as compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, hydrogen and renewable natural gas fuels such as landfill gas.

This is a great opportunity to work with Indias largest engine manufacturer in a fast-growing marketplace demanding cost-effective and environmentally conscious solutions, said Westport executive vice-president Nicholas Sonntag.

Commercialization is expected to follow the development phase, with Westport supplying key natural gas engine components.

Tata Motors is Indias largest automobile company, with operations in Britain, South Korea, Thailand, Spain and South Africa, as well as India.

It is also the worlds fourth-largest truck and bus manufacturer.