EPA certifies Cummins ISX

COLUMBUS, Ind. (April 2, 2002) — Cummins announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has certified its ISX engine as meeting the 2.5-gram NOx + NMHC diesel engine emissions standard that takes effect in October.

The ISX is a big-bore diesel range based on the double overhead camshaft 15-litre Signature 600. It delivers up to 600 horsepower and 1850-pound-feet of torque. Cummins engine business president Joe Loughrey said EPA certification “proves beyond any doubt that we will provide a product line that will fulfill our commitment to meet the 2.5-gram NOx + NMHC standard.”

The company said performance of the new engines will offer better engine braking capability and overall engine responsiveness. The company will also continue to refine and look for further improvements in fuel economy and reliability. It is expected that EPA engines designed to meet the standard will suffer a drop in fuel economy by 3 to 5%.

In issuing the certification, the EPA also affirmed the use of auxiliary emissions control devices (AECD) as submitted by the company. AECDs are permitted by law when limited engine protection is necessary under certain operating conditions. AECDs are used in today’s engines throughout the industry, and are approved as part of the EPA regulations and certification process.

In 1998, a group of manufacturers of heavy-duty diesel engines, including Cummins, signed a consent decree with the EPA and Department of Justice. At that time, engine manufacturers made a commitment to meet the January 2004, 2.5-gram NOx+NMHC standards by October 2002, as part of a “pull-ahead provision.”