Caterpillar Announces EPA Certification for Heavy-Duty Truck Engine Powered By Low Emission ACERT(TM) Technology

PEORIA, Ill., June 12 -- Caterpillar Inc. has received certification by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the company's third engine equipped with ACERT(TM) technology. With this certification, Caterpillar is the first engine manufacturer to offer 2004 model year clean diesel engines that are fully EPA-compliant in both the heavy- and medium-duty truck categories.

The third EPA-certified Caterpillar(R) engine with ACERT technology is the C15 engine, an industry-leading and award-winning clean diesel engine used by large North American truck fleets and owner operators. In addition, the engine is very popular with operators of fire trucks and emergency vehicles. Full production of the engine, offered in the 435 to 550 horsepower range, will begin in the third quarter of this year.

"This certification demonstrates that production of ACERT technology for heavy-duty trucks is on schedule and the technology is ready to serve our customers in the North American trucking industry," said Richard L. Thompson, Caterpillar group president with responsibility for the company's engine division. "This is also a day of pride for hundreds of Caterpillar employees who have devoted their time and talents to making this exciting new technology possible."

Caterpillar is the first engine manufacturer to offer both medium- and heavy-duty truck and bus engines that meet EPA's 2004 emissions standards. Earlier this year, the Caterpillar C7 and C9 engines were certified for use in on-highway trucks, school buses and transit buses. As previously stated, Caterpillar's full line of on-highway engines with ACERT technology will be in production during the fourth quarter of this year.

ACERT is a differentiated, breakthrough technology that reduces emissions at the point of combustion. The technology capitalizes on Caterpillar's proven leadership in engine electronics, fuel injection systems and combustion technology. All Caterpillar on-highway truck and bus engines will be equipped with ACERT technology by the fourth quarter of this year. The technology will also be used as the foundation to meet future emissions regulations for the company's entire diesel engine product line, including construction and mining machines, and power generation units.

Caterpillar is the leading manufacturer and supplier of truck and bus engines in the combined medium- and heavy-duty categories in North America, holding the lead position in engine shipments to vehicle manufacturers since 1999. For the third year in a row, the C15 engine has received the highest customer satisfaction rankings released by J.D. Power and Associates. The survey examines customer satisfaction in key areas that concentrate on engine performance, engine noise and vibration, warranty and overall quality.

For more than 75 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been building the world's infrastructure and, in partnership with its worldwide dealer network, is driving positive and sustainable change in every continent. With 2002 sales and revenues of $20.15 billion, Caterpillar is a technology leader and the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. More information is available at http://www.cat.com/ .