A new report from NGVAmerica indicates production and sales of natural gas vehicles (NGV) in the U.S. decreased 6.5% in 2014 compared to 2013. Despite the drop in crude oil, total sales were still at a healthy level. The report states medium- and heavy-duty NGVs had strong sales increases during 2014.
The medium-duty market grew 24% compared to 2013 while the heavy-duty market saw about a 30% increase in 2014.
NGVAmerica's report says sales in the heavy-duty segment were helped in part by three areas:
- continued growth in refuse sales and strong transit bus orders
- first full-year availability of a new engine platform
- growth of dual-fuel systems.
Refuse truck sales accounted for over 50% of the market as many large and medium fleets transitioned to natural gas.
The report also says the release of the Cummins Westport ISX-12g 11.9 liter engine increased sales to major truck OEMs in various platforms.