International Truck and Engine Corp. has partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate clean diesel combustion (CDC) technology
invented by EPA’s National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Through a cooperative research and development agreement, they will determine the commercial viability of the technology for meeting stringent automotive Tier 2 emissions levels in 2007 and 2010.
"This is not just about cleaning the air, this is about maintaining economic competitiveness," said EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt in a press conference held Thursday to announce the alliance.
He said environmentally friendly diesel engines in passenger vehicles could save consumer money, reduce health-related and greenhouse gas emissions, and lower U.S. dependence on imported oil.
"Our company is striving to be a $15-billion company. With the technologies we’re talking about here today we believe this will happen," said Daniel Ustian, chairman, president and CEO of International’s parent company, Navistar International.
He noted that all Class 8 trucks and virtually all Class 6 and 7 vehicles have diesel engines. About half of heavy pickup trucks are diesel, but "when you go below that there’s no one out there yet," he said, adding that conversion of just 30% of light duty vehicles to diesel could save an estimated 700,000 barrels of fuel a day.
CDC technology encompasses a series of design changes to the diesel engine, intended to decrease nitrogen oxides (NOx) while maintaining or improving engine efficiency. The key concept is the development of in-cylinder NOx control, where NOx emissions are reduced in the engine combustion chamber without penalizing efficiency.
International is evaluating CDC for all of its products but will initially concentrate on its V-6 diesel sized for SUVs and pickups. The goal is to have products ready for sale by 2007.