The Volvo Group says it is targeting 2014 for the launch of a 13.0 L liquefied natural gas (LNG) engine for the North American market. The engine will employ high-pressure direct-injection (HPDI) technology from Westport Innovations Inc.

"Despite the near-term infrastructure questions regarding widespread adoption of natural gas as a heavy-duty truck fuel, it's clear this segment will grow over the next several years," says Volvo Trucks' Ron Huibers.

Volvo says Westport's HPDI technology will allow the LNG engine to deliver 30% higher fuel efficiency over spark-ignited engines. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 20%, compared to diesel applications.

The company also recently announced compressed natural gas-powered models: the Volvo VNM and Volvo VNL daycabs.