More than 28% of all trucks registered in the United States are now equipped with advanced new technology clean diesel engines, according to new data compiled by R.L. Polk and Company for the Diesel Technology Forum.

The data includes registration information on Class 3-8 trucks from 2007 through 2012 in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Beginning in 2007, all heavy-duty diesel trucks sold had to meet particulate emissions levels of 0.01 grams per brake horse-power hour, a level near zero. Today 2.5 million of 8.6 million commercial trucks on the road, now have this technology, using either exhaust gas recirculation technology or catalytic reduction technology. 

"The fact that more than 28% of all trucks on U.S. roads today are new technology diesel engines with near zero emissions is significant for the environment and the trucking industry," said Allen Schaeffer, the executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. 

Regionally, the Midwest has the highest percent of new diesel trucks, 31%, followed by the South at 29.8%, the Northeast at 29.1% and the West at 26%.

DTF says emissions from today's diesel trucks and buses are near zero due to more efficient engines, more effective emissions control technology and the nationwide availability of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.

“The new clean diesel technology has reduced emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses by 99% for nitrogen oxides and 98% for particulate emissions,” said Schaeffer.

He also noted that 2010 and later model trucks are experiencing an average of 3% to 5% improvement in fuel economy while new diesel technology and ultra-low sulfur diesel are benefitting many of the older diesel trucks built before 2007. 

The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit national organization dedicated to raising awareness about diesel engines, fuel and technology.