Chrysler delivers first CNG trucks to Oklahoma

The state's order is Chrysler's largest since it began producing CNG trucks in October.

Chrysler's Ram is the only CNG-powered pickup in North America built by an original equipment manufacturer. The bi-fuel trucks were built at Chrysler's heavy-duty truck plant in Mexico.

Gov. Mary Fallin took the keys to one of the trucks from Peter Grady, Chrysler's vice president of network development and fleet.

“Chrysler Group is delighted that we can deliver these unique Ram pickup trucks today to Gov. Fallin, a steadfast champion in the use of compressed natural gas vehicles in state fleets,” Grady said.

“Through the governor's tireless efforts to form a coalition of states, 13 Ram Truck dealers have landed contracts with 19 states to supply their fleets with the new Ram 2500 CNG pickup trucks,” he said.

Fallin led a bipartisan coalition of 22 states interested in adding more CNG vehicles to their fleets. Natural gas is a cheaper, cleaner fuel than gasoline or diesel.

“Converting the state's fleet to CNG will save taxpayers millions of dollars in fuel costs,” Fallin said. “The use of cleaner-burning CNG fuel is good for the environment and promotes Oklahoma-made natural gas, which in turn supports the creation of more Oklahoma jobs.