Mack Trucks announced that it is moving forward on production plans, or "industrializing" for its 12-liter E-Tech engine, which will meet the aggressive 2002 emissions requirements.

Mack engineers say the engine has demonstrated it can consistently meet Mack engineering development targets for emissions that are 10 to 20 percent below the federal standards that will take effect in October 2002. The company says it can even meet these emissions in the high-output, 460-horsepower rating.
"These emissions levels were first achieved in 2000, and have been consistently maintained as we've moved forward with the refinement of the overall engine performance calibrations," said Stephen F. Homcha, Mack executive vice president - Class 8 programs. "Based on our consistent progress to date, we're confident that we will be able to deliver a product that meets the new emissions requirements while satisfying the demanding performance expectations of Mack customers."
Like most other engine makers, the engine will use cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to meet the tough standards. (So far, only Caterpillar has announced it would meet the new emissions standards without EGR.) However, EGR will not be the sole technology used to satisfy the requirements. Mack engineers will also use new technologies that will be progressively introduced in the E-Tech engine between now and 2002. One key element of its strategy will be a significant evolution of the engine's unit pump fuel system, in which Mack will deploy flexible injection capabilities as early as the second half of 2001.
"Mack is convinced that for an integrated manufacturer, cooled EGR technology is the answer to the 2002 challenge," Homcha said. "Our engineers are developing the engine and the vehicle installation package simultaneously, which is allowing us to move smoothly from development to commercialization within the tight implementation timeframe of 2002."
In this regard, Mack is progressing steadily not just in development, but also in the industrialization that will lead to the 2002 introduction. The company will launch factory builds of both the engines, and vehicles equipped with the engines, by the middle of 2001, ensuring that its industrial processes will be in place well in advance of the October 2002 deadline.
Homcha also emphasized that achievement of this goal is not a one-step endeavor, and that Mack will continue to progressively reduce the E-Tech engine's emission levels leading up to the 2.5 gram NOx level required in 2002. The ongoing introduction of new technologies will continue this progressive reduction, culminating with the introduction of EGR.