Addressing opposite ends of the value chain in natural gas transportation, Cummins Inc. and separately, GP Strategies Corp. on Wednesday announced advancements in natural gas vehicle (NGV) engines and fueling infrastructure.

Columbus, IN-based Cummins said it has developed a 15-liter heavy duty, spark-ignited natural gas engine (ISX15 G) to meet “on-highway applications” of natural gas as a transportation fuel — either as compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). The new gas engine is based on a widely recognized diesel engine made by Cummins (ISX15).

Cummins is banking on the continued development of plentiful and low-cost gas supplies in the United States for engines that run on CNG or LNG, a company spokesperson said.

“Cummins is committed to making the right investments in the technologies that strengthen our leadership position in natural gas,” said Ed Pence, Cummins’ general manager for heavy duty engines.

For Maryland-based GP Strategies, its alternative fuels business unit has completed building an alternative fuels station to provide both CNG and LNG at Kwik Trip Inc.’s corporate headquarters in La Crosse, WI. GP Strategies designed the new fueling facility, which is scheduled to open in May in a region that currently has little natural gas transportation fueling for the general public. The station also would serve the company’s fleet of LNG- and CNG-powered vehicles.

Michael Mackey, vice president for GP Strategies alternative fuels unit, said the station would provide much-needed public access, and fleet operators in the area would have a chance to use more low-priced natural gas in their vehicles.

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