International Truck and Engine Corporation Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel Fuel is Needed to Cut Emissions
27 June 2000
International Truck and Engine Corporation Tells EPA That Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel Fuel is Needed to Cut Emissions
LOS ANGELES - International Truck and Engine Corporation once again endorsed the Environmental Protection Agency's proposal to reduce the sulfur content of diesel fuel beginning in 2007 as a prerequisite to tightening emissions standards. International has spoken out in support of the proposed standards since they were announced on May 17.Larry Barron, International vice president -- western region, cited the role of ultra-clean-diesel fuel -- less than 15 parts per million of sulfur content -- as a "prerequisite" to addressing both particulate emissions (PM) and emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
Speaking at an EPA hearing in Los Angeles, Barron pointed out that progressive oil companies already are making 15 ppm diesel fuel commercially available. "With this ultra-clean fuel available so soon, International will commercialize its `green diesel' engine technology early next year," Barron said.
On May 16, International announced in Los Angeles that next summer, the company will introduce a production school bus that will be equipped with International(R) Green Diesel Technology(TM), utilizing a catalyzed particulate filter, and fueled with ultra-low-sulfur fuel. The new technology will enable International to achieve EPA's proposed 2007 standards for hydrocarbon and PM emissions standards six years ahead of time.
Barron stated that International is reinventing all its engine lines through revolutionary engine design and the development of advanced aftertreatment technologies.
"International is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in the development of new technologies for all the markets where our engines are sold," Barron said. "With clean diesel fuel, we can count on the advanced NOx and PM aftertreatment technologies needed to achieve unprecedented emissions reductions."
The need for ultra-low-sulfur fuel is similar to what occurred when lead was forced out of gasoline because it was damaging the expensive anti-smog catalytic converters that auto companies were required to install on new cars. The removal of lead from gasoline began in 1975 and the phase-out was completed by 1986.
International Green Diesel Technology was first introduced in June 1999, with demonstrations that showed particulate emissions 50 percent lower than the best compressed natural gas engine. Hydrocarbons were reduced below measurable levels, eliminating the odor often associated with diesel engines. Overall, the technology reduced particulate emissions by more than 90 percent.
International Green Diesel Technology is based on a history of innovations. In 1989, International demonstrated its smokeless diesel technology, five years ahead of the EPA's mandated deadline. In 1994, International introduced its low-pressure common rail fuel-delivery system, which provides a virtually smokeless exhaust, again setting an industry benchmark for emissions technology.
International Truck and Engine Corp. is the operating company of Chicago-based Navistar International Corporation , which had 1999 sales and revenues of $8.6 billion. International Truck and Engine is a leading producer of medium trucks, school buses, heavy trucks, severe service vehicles, mid-range diesel engines and parts and services sold under the International(R) brand. The company also is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. Through its finance subsidiary, the company also provides financing and liability insurance for its dealers and customers.
