DALLAS — Engine maker Cummins Inc. will invest in Agility Fuel Systems, which makes natural-gas fuel storage and delivery systems for heavy-duty trucks and buses, to boost use of the alternative fuel.
The companies made the announcement at the annual ACT Expo here May 5. Cummins — which makes the trucking industry's primary 12-liter natural-gas engine in its Cummins Westport joint-venture — did not disclose the amount of its investment.
The partnership includes technology development and integration of software and hardware "to significantly improve performance and uptime," the companies said.
They also will integrate their sales and aftermarket support and distribution networks. Customers soon will be able to have service performed and obtain replacement parts for natural gas-powered equipment at authorized Cummins distributor and OEM truck dealer locations in the United States and Canada.
"Our goal has always been to deliver a diesel-like experience to the end user, making natural gas-powered vehicles as easy to operate and service as diesel vehicles," Agility CEO Barry Engle said.
"By co-developing differentiated and improved natural-gas solutions, and utilizing the breadth of Cummins' service network, we believe we can accelerate the adoption of natural gas as a fuel for more vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks," he said.
