Detroit Diesel’s Koci tries to reassure customers about ’02 engines

DETROIT (April 9, 2002) — The head of Detroit Diesel Corp. said his company would meet an October 2002 deadline to reduce diesel engine emissions, but tried to reassure customers that the new engines would not suffer substantial losses in fuel economy and power.

DDC vice-chairman and CEO Lud Koci said the company had met its objectives but voiced concern about the lack of time customers will have to become familiar with the new engines.

“Unfortunately, given the compressed development schedule, it is apparent that our industry will face another up and down cycle due to pre-buying and delayed buying,” he said. “DDC wants to reassure our customers of our long-term commitment to them, and our near-term commitment to provide engines in October 2002 that meet EPA requirements without penalties or aftertreatment devices, while giving our customers the best product.”

Detroit Diesel will use Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), the same technology chosen by most major engine manufacturers to meet 2002 emissions levels. It will initially make approximately 95% of its current ratings available in October 2002.

John Morelli, vice-president of the company’s 2002 engine program described the new engines as being lighter and more efficient than current Series 60 models.

“While the EGR cooler adds a few pounds, an enhanced gear train configuration allows for a reduced size gear case cover and next generation air compressor,” Morelli said. “The air compressor is more efficient, requires less horsepower, and also saves weight.

“We have six months before production ramps up so there is still time to enhance the design of some of these components. The goal is to have the 2002 Series 60 engine, in final production trim, weigh less than the current configuration. We wanted to maintain its reputation for excellent fuel economy and recommended oil change interval. We also wanted to reduce engine noise, improve performance of the engine brake, reduce weight, and maintain the overall drivability that drivers currently enjoy. We are meeting those goals in the relatively limited time we have.”

Applications for 2002 emissions certification will be submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 30 to 60 days in advance of scheduled production, Koci said. Currently, the first production versions of the 2002 Series 60 engine are scheduled to be available in September 2002.

Detroit Diesel has been producing heavy-duty cooled EGR engines for transit buses since 1999. In the last two years, DDC has placed over 2500 heavy-duty cooled EGR engines into service.

Major North American engine manufacturers have been operating on an accellerated schedule to meet targets for heavy-duty engines since they signed a consent decree with the EPA and Justice Department in 1998. The agreement, which included more than $1 billion US in fines, funding for environmental projects, and equipment adjustments, settled allegations that their engines were programmed to exceed emissions limits during highway use.