Cummins Reaffirms Its Commitment to Meet 2002 Emissions Requirements

    COLUMBUS, Ind.--April 17, 2001--In meetings with EPA officials, representatives of Cummins Inc. have confirmed Cummins' commitment to meet the deadline to produce lower emissions engines as outlined in a consent decree Cummins signed in 1998.
    Four other engine manufacturers also signed similar consent decrees.
    Based upon several breakthroughs in engine technology, Cummins is now poised to be the first U.S. engine manufacturer to meet the lower standards in accordance with the consent decree. These lower standards will result in an additional 38 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from current emissions standards for all on-highway products.
    "We have invested considerable resources to meet our commitments, and are confident that our development of emissions control technologies, coupled with our OEM partnerships, will allow us to provide customers with a reliable, durable product that contributes to a cleaner, healthier, safer environment," said Tim Solso, Cummins Chairman and CEO.
    "The costs associated with developing and refining the technology required to meet these ambitious NOx emissions reductions have been significant enough to alter the competitive landscape if any compliance delays are granted. Cummins has worked hard to meet the requirements of the consent decree. It is critical that the EPA enforce industry-wide compliance with the letter and the spirit of the consent decree to ensure that the full range of environmental and consumer benefits are achieved," Solso concluded.
    Cummins announced last month that it had achieved an important milestone in the development of cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology, which the company believes is the only feasible technology for meeting the October 2002 emission requirements. Using the technology, Cummins achieved a two percent improvement in fuel economy in its midrange engines compared to its current product, reduced NOx emissions by 50 percent, and reduced the time of unaided cold starts by 80 percent.
    "We are extremely confident in the technology," said John Wall, Cummins Vice President and Chief Technical Officer. "It is really just an extension of the development path we have been on for some years. All of Cummins automotive engine platforms have been developed to be EGR capable."
    "We extensively researched all technical solutions, and concluded that the only feasible technology for meeting the 2.5 gram (NOx + NMHC) levels is with exhaust gas recirculation," added Wall. "No other option provides the benefits of fuel economy, cost, responsiveness and overall performance, and in our view, no other currently available technology can achieve a 2.5 gram (NOx + NMHC) emissions level in this timeframe."
    Cummins has consistently led in the development of technology that provides lower emission products while at the same time providing its customers with the best life-cycle operating costs. More information on Cummins environmental leadership can be found in the Cummins 2000 Environmental Annual Report, available at http://www.cummins.com/na/pdf/en/whoweare/environment/enviro_2000.pdf.

    Cummins, headquartered in Columbus, Ind., is the world's largest producer of commercial diesel engines above 50 horsepower. The company provides products and services for customers in markets worldwide for engines, power generation, and filtration. Cummins reported sales of $6.6 billion in 2000. Press releases by fax may be requested by calling News on Demand (toll free) at 999-329-2305. Cummins' home page on the Internet can be found at http://www.cummins.com.