Trying to diversify its engine offerings, Navistar Inc. has signed an agreement with Clean Air Power to develop the MaxxForce 13 big bore engine to run on natural gas and clean diesel fuel for North America.
“This agreement supports Navistar’s strategy of product leadership, offering our customers differentiated products merging the unique skills of Clean Air Power in natural gas combustion and the knowledge Navistar has in diesel combustion,” Jack Allen, president of Navistar’s North American Truck Group. “The volatility of global diesel fuel prices and the significant natural gas reserves available in the United States make natural gas an attractive option for customers focused on managing their fuel costs.”
Clean Air Power’s Duel-Fuel combustion technology will be deployed in the MaxxForce 13 Advanced EGR engine. The engine will remain EPA 2010-emissions compliant.
“By working with Clean Air Power we will be developing a dual fuel engine that will provide customers with a true big bore natural gas powered engine,” added Jack Allen. “The MaxxForce 13 natural gas engine will meet Class 8 customer weight and performance requirements, which are not being met by competitive products today.”
The Dual-Fuel engine will be targeted to regional haul tractors with a goal of achieving a 400-mi. range, Navistar said.
“We are very pleased to work with Navistar to advance the Dual-Fuel product development of Navistar’s MaxxForce 13 to deliver clean fuel technology consistent with Navistar’s customer-focused strategy,” said John Pettitt, CEO, Clean Air Power.