Detroit Diesel's first two BlueTec emissions technology customer demo units are being evaluated by Schneider National.
The units are being integrated into Schneider's fleet to gain real-world experience with the technology in advance of EPA 2010 regulations.


Delivered in late January 2009, the Schneider demo units are Freightliner Cascadias equipped with Detroit Diesel DD15 engines, and have already logged more than 45,000 miles.

Steve Duley, vice president of purchasing for Schneider National, noted that they keep close tabs on the units and provide Detroit Diesel feedback every day, including responses from drivers and technicians.

"By actually field testing the technology, we are putting the units into real-life situations, which ultimately helps Detroit Diesel engineers to identify every possible issue in advance," said Duley. "We are confident the experience we gain from CDUs will give us additional time to prepare for the transition."

Duley added that a small group of drivers were briefed and trained in advance on the CDUs to further contribute to the testing and feedback.

"Our CDUs help customers like Schneider gain experience with BlueTec emissions technology well ahead of 2010, helping to provide an easy transition," said David Siler, director of marketing for Detroit Diesel. "Plus, by working closely with Schneider, we will continue to refine our technology, ensuring exemplary performance and fuel economy."

BlueTec - Daimler's emissions technology - was selected by Detroit Diesel in 2005 to meet the upcoming stringent EPA 2010 emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks. It uses selective catalytic reduction, or SCR, to meet the 2010 standards.