The Environmental Protection Agency has certified the Paccar MX 12.9-liter diesel engine to the 2010 emission standards

, Paccar announced. The certification means the engine can be installed in Kenworth and Peterbilt vehicles in North America.

"The EPA certification is an important milestone in establishing the Paccar MX engine in North America," said Jim Cardillo, Paccar president. "Over 1,500 Kenworth and Peterbilt vehicles with MX engines have been ordered."

The Paccar MX engine is available with a horsepower range of 380 to 485 and torque up to 1,750 pounds-feet. MX engine production in North America begins this summer at Paccar's new engine facility in Columbus, Miss. The Paccar MX engine has completed over 50 million miles of testing, as well as evaluation in hot and cold temperature extremes, high altitudes and difficult vocational applications.

The MX engine uses selective catalytic reduction technology to reduce NOx emissions and meet the EPA 2010 requirements.

"The MX engine meets the stringent emission standards of 0.2 grams per brake horsepower hour of NOx and the 0.01 grams per brake horsepower hour of particulate matter," said Craig Brewster, Paccar vice president. "The combination of SCR, a diesel particulate filter, and controlled exhaust gas recirculation will provide Paccar customers a highly efficient solution to the 2010 emission requirements."