Cummins signed a letter of intent to acquire a 50% equity interest in Momentum Fuel Technologies from Rush Enterprises.

The proposed transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to completion of customary pre-closing activities and mutually agreeable transaction documentation. The transaction will create a joint venture between Rush Enterprises and Cummins that will produce Cummins-branded natural gas fuel delivery systems for the commercial vehicle market in North America, combining the strengths of Momentum Fuel Technologies’ compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel delivery systems, Cummins’ powertrain expertise and the engineering and support infrastructure of both companies.

“This collaboration shows Cummins’ continued commitment to natural gas powertrains,” Srikanth Padmanabhan, president of the engine business at Cummins, said. “This partnership will improve customers service for both CNG and RNG through an improved support network. We are thrilled to expand our network of clean and reliable power solutions.”

“The immediate environmental benefits of CNG and RNG, combined with upcoming regulatory requirements, will drive growth in natural gas vehicles for the foreseeable future,” W.M. “Rusty” Rush, chairman, CEO and president of Rush Enterprises, said. “This partnership will enable Rush Enterprises to continue to provide unparalleled support to our customers through our mutual, wide-ranging portfolio of Cummins’ and RushCare aftermarket solutions and keep trucks up and running across the country.”

The joint venture will offer aftermarket support through Rush Truck Centers dealerships and Cummins distributors, which will be able to service engines and fuel delivery systems. The partnership between Cummins and Rush Enterprises will provide access to a CNG vehicle parts and service network; both Cummins’ and Rush Enterprises’ respective networks, which together represent more than 250 locations in the U.S. and Canada, will be equipped with certified technicians and access to a CNG vehicle parts inventory.