Vancouver, BC-based Westport Innovations Inc. has struck a deal with Ford Motor Co. to provide natural gas-powered engine technologies for some of the U.S. automaker’s pickup truck models, starting in the first half of 2012.

A provider of compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas engine technologies, Westport said the natural gas-powered systems will be available in Ford F-250 and F-350 super-duty pickup trucks. The vehicles will also be able to run on gasoline.

Westport said its new bifuel gas-powered system, called WiNG, will be installed in the two Ford truck models beginning next spring. The pickup trucks will have Ford’s new 6.2-liter “hardened” engine platform. WiNG is Westport’s new system aimed at providing an integrated bifuel system for both passenger and commercial vehicles, emphasizing fleet operators.

The WiNG system was engineered at the new Westport technical facility in Plymouth, MI, where the systems will be installed and the trucks will be ready to roll when they reach authorized dealers next year. The system is designed to meet both the federal Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board’s 2012 emissions standards, a Westport spokesperson said.

“The WiNG system is specifically designed to deliver best-in-class performance, reliability and efficiency,” said John Lapetz, managing director for Westport’s North American vehicle programs.

WiNG-equipped F-250s will be available for test rides at two upcoming transportation events in Texas: Green Fleets in Grapevine (Oct. 3-4) and the Natural Gas Vehicle Association conference in Fort Worth (Oct. 20-23).

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