The Environmental Protection Agency has given approval for Volvo to manufacture and sell trucks with Volvo's VED12 diesel engine after today's emissions-control deadline, according to Volvo Trucks North America Inc.

"We believe this engine meets all applicable emissions requirements of the Clean Air Act, EPA's regulations, and the terms of your consent decree," the agency said in a letter to Volvo. The agency issued Volvo a conditional certificate, with final certification expected once EPA completes its formal review process.
"Our testing has shown that when paired with the new Volvo VN highway tractor, Volvo's VED12 engine will not only meet the new emissions requirements, but also deliver fuel economy and performance," said Susan Alt, vice president of marketing. "Our VED12 will be certified at the required level for 2002 as a complement to our 21st century truck."
The new Volvo VN series of Class 8 trucks introduced in August are designed to be fully integrated with EPA02-compliant engines. Volvo's testing showed that in certain applications, operators of the new VN should experience a 0-2% decrease in fuel economy with the new engines.
For more information, visit Volvo's web site at www.volvotrucks.us.com.