Truckmakers, suppliers contemplate SCR distribution

DEARBORN, Mich. — Now that there’s a near-consensus that SCR is the preferred engine emission solution to meet the North American EPA rules for 2010, industry planners are busy making sure the distribution infrastructure for urea diesel is developed in time.

Executives from leading car, truck and engine manufacturers, diesel exhaust fluid producers, fuel retailers, and distributors and dispensing equipment suppliers met with members of trade associations and governing agencies in Dearborn, Mich., to plan for the rollout of SCR technology in diesel-powered vehicles.

SCR is one of the technologies that will be used by most OEMs to meet 2010 EPA emissions regulations in heavy truck diesel engines. Navistar International is the lone truckmaker that’s sticking with advanced version of EGR, which was used to comply with 2002 and 2007 emission rules.

Key to that rollout is the development of a distribution and retail infrastructure to support the availability of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), which enables SCR systems in vehicles to operate. Participants say outcomes of this cross-functional commitment will be a nationwide infrastructure that supports product availability and assures the quality of diesel exhaust fluid.

In the past, there’s been much speculation over whether the North American distribution system can ramp up in time to supply DEF across North America.

Objectives for the SCR Stakeholders Group are to exchange information with the U.S. government and other potential stakeholders on the potential market and need for SCR technology and DEF availability.

Also, to engage potential providers and distributors of DEF and determine the conditions necessary for provision of retail availability before a profitable market exists.

And to consider effective education tools and outreach to consumers and commercial markets about diesel exhaust fluid, its use and availability.