Trucks

Navistar Inc., a major manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and natural gas transportation fuel and infrastructure leader Clean Energy Fuels Corp. said Wednesday their new strategic partnership will make it easier for truck fleet operators to switch to vehicles powered by either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG).

A compressed natural gas-fueled Freightliner M2 112 delivered to Ryder System Inc. Tuesday was the 1,000th natural gas truck delivered by Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), which claims to be the first commercial vehicle manufacturer to reach that milestone. The truck was manufactured at DTNA’s plant in Mt. Holly, NC. Portland, OR-based DTNA reported combined sales of 3,600 natural gas vehicles to date. As part of a $16 million allocation to promote clean transportation fuels, the California Energy Commission earlier this year approved a $1.28 million grant to DTNA for 40 heavy-duty natural gas-fueled vehicles in a buy-down program (see Daily GPI, May 27).

Los Angeles has opened another natural gas transportation fueling facility in its sanitation department, which runs many of its refuse hauling trucks on liquefied natural gas (LNG) or compressed natural gas (CNG) as it changes from traditional diesel fuel. The LA Sanitation District’snew North Central Clean Fuel Dispensing Facility fuels the city fleet of recycling and refuse-collection vehicles. Los Angeles officials have committed to increase the number of alternative fuel vehicles in the city fleet by 15% annually until 85% of the fleet is converted by fiscal 2012-2013. The new fueling station is the city’s 19th alternative fuel location, part of the largest CNG fleet in the United States, according to the city.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last Wednesday announced a final rule easing the way for the conversion of cars and trucks, particularly older vehicles, from gasoline or diesel power to alternative fuels, including compressed natural gas (CNG), propane, alcohol and electricity.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Wednesday announced a final rule easing the way for the conversion of cars and trucks, particularly older vehicles, from gasoline or diesel power to alternative fuels, including compressed natural gas (CNG), propane, alcohol and electricity.

Ford will introduce a compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) engine prep package for its F-450 and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks later this year, the automaker told approximately 500 North American fleet customers Monday.