ValvTect to be Licensed by Clean Diesel Technologies
STAMFORD, Conn.--March 27, 2001--Clean Diesel Technologies Inc. (EBB:CDTI) (CDT) and ValvTect Petroleum Products of Northbrook, Ill., a division of RPM Inc. , jointly announced today that the two companies have signed a letter of intent under which ValvTect will be licensed to sell the Platinum Plus(R) bimetallic diesel fuel catalyst to diesel truck fleets and diesel fuel marketers in the United States.Platinum Plus is a patented fuel soluble combustion catalyst that contains minute amounts of platinum and cerium. When introduced into diesel fuel, the product promotes more complete combustion resulting in reduced fuel consumption, increased power and reduced emissions. The companies have already initiated test marketing to selected fleets under the "Performance Assurance Program" created jointly by ValvTect and CDT to help fleets monitor and establish the cost savings from use of Platinum Plus treated fuel.
Field trials completed earlier this year showed an average 7 percent improvement in fuel economy after 90 days of treatment versus untreated vehicles. This provides savings representing roughly twice the product cost. In addition, reduction in emissions of gaseous and particulate emissions could help qualify end-users for emission reduction credits once performance is verified under the recently announced EPA Voluntary Retrofit Program targeted at reducing emissions from existing engines.
According to Gerald H. Nessenson, president of ValvTect Petroleum Products, "Fleets are always looking for savings, especially with the recent run up in fuel prices this year. And fuel marketers are always looking to provide a better product to differentiate themselves. Use of the Platinum Plus products takes premium diesel to a new 'ultra-premium level.'"
ValvTect Petroleum Products is a major supplier of diesel fuel additives in the United States to fuel marketers, truck stops and fleets. "Platinum Plus will compliment our Diesel Guard Supreme line and provides our sales force with a year-round performance product for their customers," said Nessenson.
CDT Chief Operating Officer James M. Valentine said, "Having ValvTect sign on as our marketing partner brings us instant access to a large part of the market while allowing CDT to focus on emission certification programs and engine manufacturers who are looking at the potential of Platinum Plus for new cleaner burning diesel engines."
CDT will also continue its efforts to sign up corporate and national fleets as well as key independent refiners in selected market areas. "With over 25 billion gallons of diesel consumed in the U.S.," continued Valentine, "our vision is to have broad distribution of Platinum Plus through several channels of distribution. ValvTect becomes a key partner in setting the distribution strategy in motion."
A full nationwide launch is planned following execution of a