Ford F-450 and F-550 Super Duty trucks will be available with optional natural gas engines by the middle of next year, supplier Westport Innovations announced.
Westport Innovations will install its Westport WiNG System in the vehicles, expanding its offerings beyond current Ford F-250 and F-350 vehicles.
“The timing is right. Our CNG bifuel 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,” said John Lapetz, vice president, North America vehicle programs, Westport LD.
The new 2013 F-450 and F-550 trucks will be built at the Westport Kentucky Integration Center (WKIC), an exclusive Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) audited facility, located adjacent to Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant.
The models will be assembled using a fully integrated system and will undergo the same rigorous validation for safety and durability used by Ford, the company said. Trucks will be delivered using the Ford transportation system providing cost efficiencies in delivery to the end customer.
Westport is also currently developing relationships with service body companies to offer installation of second unit bodies on its F-250 and F-350 pickup trucks. In addition to the installation of the Westport WiNG System, customers may now choose the option to install second unit bodies with a single ship-through, saving significant time and delivery costs. These service body options will also be available on the new F-450 and F-550 models.
