WARRENVILLE, Ill. — A new partnership will allow Navistar to build natural gas-powered International MaxxForce 13 engines for the North American market, the company has announced.

Navistar inked a concept development agreement with Clean Air Power which will result in a MaxxForce 13 engine that runs off natural gas, according to the company.

“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,” said 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.”

“As we assess changing market conditions, the ability to offer customers choice is important not only in our US markets, but in our global markets as well,” added Eric Tech, president, Navistar Engine Group. “As we develop this product for our International brand truck customers, we will also be able to leverage the technology in other markets and products as appropriate.”

The natural gas-powered MaxxForce will initially be marketed to the regional haul tractor market with hopes it can run 400 miles between fills.

“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,” said 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.”