Detroit Diesel says Series 60 will be ready for Oct. 1

DETROIT (Aug. 7, 2002) — Prompted by what it called “mischaracterizations” in the media, Detroit Diesel Corp. stated that its 2002 Series 60 engine will meet an Oct. 1 deadline to cut nitrogen-oxide emissions.

The engine maker, a division of DaimlerChrysler, promised it would attain certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to sell the Series 60, its main heavy-duty diesel engine, without penalties or aftertreatment devices in time to meet the deadline. Last week, the EPA announced penalties of as much as $12,210 US for each heavy-truck diesel engine that does not adhere to an emissions standard of 2.5 grams per brake horsepower of non-methane hydrocarbonplus nitrogen oxides, or NMHC+NOx.

There are general concerns that engines designed to meet the new targets will be more expensive and complicated to buy, maintain, and operate. Several industry groups have lobbied to push back the Oct. 1 deadline to give manufacturers and customers more time to test the engines.

“Whether any changes to the Oct. 1 implementation date are forthcoming or not, Detroit Diesel wants to reassure its customers of its long-term commitment to them and its near-term commitment to providing certified engines in October 2002,” the company said in a statement. “Detroit Diesel’s technological development of the 2002 Series 60 is on course and its market-leading engines will be certified to comply with the new standards.”

Earlier this year, Detroit Diesel said it will initially make approximately 95 per cent of its current ratings available in October 2002.

Detroit Diesel said it would submit applications for 2002 emissions certification to the EPA approximately 30 to 60 days in advance of scheduled production, a customary practice at Detroit Diesel, the company said.