A daylong Diesel Engine Emissions Summit will be held June 10 in conjunction with the Technology & Maintenance Council's 2003 Summer Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz.

The TMC Summer Meeting runs from June 9-12 at the Point Hilton Squaw Peak.
The diesel engine summit, co-hosted by Transport Topics, will feature a full and open discussion of the various factors that will impact the introduction of the new 2007/2010 engines. It will also explore the aftertreatment and fuel-related aspects that will accompany this massive change.
The trucking industry is still grappling with the effects of the introduction of the 2002 model year diesel engines for heavy-duty Class 8 vehicles. Concerns over reduced fuel economy, higher maintenance costs, lower reliability and increased acquisition prices have all prompted motor carriers to carefully consider any purchasing decisions for 2003.
One thing is for certain, however. Everyone agrees both regulators and industry could have done a better job in preparing trucking for the 2002 engine introductions. And there's broad consensus that adapting to the next generation of emission controls in 2007 and 2010 will be even more challenging.
Invited to the summit will be top officials from the Environmental Protection Agency and Departments of Energy and Transportation. In addition, a number of top executives from truck and engine manufacturers will offer their perspective on what needs to be done to ensure the industry's transition in 2007/2010 will be as smooth as possible.
Also invited are executives from the industry's top carriers to share their concerns directly with manufacturers and regulators. Here's an overview of the panel discussions:
-- Truck Manufacturers' Panel - Participants will be able to ask executives from the major truck manufacturers how they plan to meet EPA's mandate for NOx and particulates in 2007/2010. The panel will cover the important aftertreatment devices and how they will impact truck maintenance and operation.
-- Engine Manufacturers' Panel - Panelists will discuss what strategies they see as the most practical and promising to meet EPA requirements.
-- Lubricants and Coolants Panel - Lubricant and coolant manufacturers will discuss how they will have to redesign their products to meet design requirements.
-- Fuel Distribution and Housekeeping Panel - During this discussion participants will learn what projections are being forecast for fuel availability and distribution when 2007 arrives (The requirement to reduce sulfur in diesel fuel to 15 ppm takes effect in mid-2006). A major factor will be fuel housekeeping and infrastructure issues, and this is an opportunity to learn what changes will be needed to ensure proper fuel quality for the new engines and aftertreatment systems.
-- Regulation and Enforcement Panel - This panel discussion will address evolving plans for 2007/2010 emission regulation enforcement. Agencies will outline how they plan to ensure compliance and learn from the experience of the trucking industry in Europe on this matter.
-- Carriers' Perspective Panel - This session will focus on motor carriers' concerns and what fleets want manufacturers and regulators to do to avoid the disruptions associated with the 2002 introductions.
For more information, visit www.truckline.com.