Peterbilt will offer three new liquefied natural gas (LNG) configurations on its Models 387, 386 and 367 in 2009. The factory-installed LNG system is part of a joint agreement between Peterbilt and Westport Innovations
to provide natural gas versions of select Peterbilt aerodynamic and vocational vehicles.

"LNG is emerging as an alternative clean, high-performance fuel for trucks that is domestically available and economical," said Bill Jackson, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar vice president.

The LNG Models 387, 386 and 367 complement Peterbilt's existing Model 320 CNG vehicles, of which over 50 are in operation throughout the U.S.

Westport's ISX G engine and liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel system for Class 8 trucks. Based on the Cummins ISX diesel engine with cooled EGR, the LNG version of the engine offers the same horsepower, torque, and efficiency as the base diesel engine it is replacing. The engine is available with 400 and 450 horsepower ratings and up to 1,750 pounds-feet of torque for heavy-duty port, freight and vocational applications.

"Peterbilt trucks were part of our first road trials, in a field test with Norcal Waste in San Francisco in 2001," notes Michael Gallagher, president and chief operating officer of Westport. More recently, Peterbilt and Westport have collaborated on a project to build Model 386 LNG evaluation trucks for Wal-Mart under a funding program with Mojave Air Quality Management District.