Truck and engine manufacturers back EPA fuel efficiency targets

August 10, 2011

The truck and engine manufacturing industry is strongly supporting new national fuel efficiency savings for heavy duty trucks, as set out by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) yesterday.

The Engine Manufacturers Association and the Truck Manufacturers Association yesterday commended the EPA and NHTSA for the cooperative process used in developing the final rule.

Over the last year, the associations provided substantial comments on the draft regulation and also provided data and other input to assist the development of today’s final rule.

“EMA and TMA members strongly support a uniform, national program to address greenhouse gas emissions and fuel efficiency that aligns with the needs of their customers and the nation,” stated Jed Mandel, EMA/TMA President. “The final rule provides a novel program that expands the use of existing fuel efficiency improvement technologies, incentivizes the introduction of advanced technologies, accelerates improvements in medium and heavy-duty truck fuel efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”

Mr Mandel said the “ambitious” program would regulate, for the first time, heavy-duty truck greenhouse gas emissions and fuel efficiency, and attempts to address the many diverse engines and vehicles that serve as the lifeblood of the nation’s crucial commercial transportation sector.

“It will be especially challenging given the very short time before implementation. Nevertheless, we are optimistic that this program provides a realistic opportunity to meet that challenge,” said Mr Mandel.

“The ultimate success or failure of this program will not be determined by the agencies or manufacturers, but by the large and small businesses that operate medium and heavy-duty trucks. Fuel efficiency is a key performance criterion for those commercial vehicle owners.”

Manufacturers

Commercial and military truck manufacturer Navistar said it had also been part of the process of devising the efficiency standards. Its chairman, Daniel C. Ustian, said: “We currently have plans in place to continue to support this competitive position by delivering integrated truck and engine technology solutions that achieve maximum fuel economy for our customers.

“We feel this customer-focused approach aligns Navistar with the intent of the new proposed GHG rule.

“With this rule, EPA and NHTSA have now set an example for what could be a worldwide GHG and fuel efficiency regulation for heavy duty trucks and engines,” added Mr Ustian.

Engine manufacturer Cummins, Inc., which last year won $54m in federal grants to develop high-efficiency drivetrains, said it would meet the EPA targets early.

Rich Freeland, Cummins Vice President and President – Engine Business, said: “This regulation will add real value for our customers as better fuel economy lowers their operating costs while significantly benefitting the environment.”

Cummins’ lineup of North American on-highway engines, from the ISB6.7 to the ISX15, will be certified to meet new onboard diagnostic (OBD) requirements on Jan. 1, 2013.

To provide a single product launch and multiyear stability for customers, these products will also comply with the GHG and fuel-efficiency regulations.

“The emissions technologies in use today provide the foundation for meeting the 2014 standards, and Cummins is ready to meet this regulation in 2013,” said Dr. Steve Charlton, Cummins Vice President and Chief Technical Officer – Engine Business. “Certifying our engines early will deliver additional fuel economy benefits to end-user customers and provide installation stability to our OEM customers. Continuing the use of our existing architecture means that customers can also expect improved reliability.”