Westport Innovations Inc. says Ford F-450 and F-550 Super Duty trucks will be joining the company's portfolio of natural gas vehicles next year. The Westport WiNG compressed natural gas (CNG) bi-fuel system is already found in Ford F-250 and F-350 trucks.
The new 2013 F-450 and F-550 trucks will be built at Westport's plant in Kentucky through the Ford Motor Co. Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) ship-thru process. The trucks will be available exclusively through Westport's authorized Ford dealerships.
‘The timing is right,’ says John Lapetz, vice president of North America vehicle programs for Westport LD. ‘Our CNG bi-fuel systems for Ford F-250 and F-350 trucks have been very well-received, and as a result, our customers are making increasing requests for customized options and natural gas trucks with higher gross weights.’
Westport notes that its is also developing relationships with service body companies to offer installation of second unit bodies on its F-250 and F-350 pickups. In addition to the installation of the Westport WiNG system, customers can now choose the option to install second unit bodies with a single ship-thru. This option will also be available on the new F-450s and F-550s.
