Detroit Diesel Announces New Power Guard Oil Specification

DETROIT, Jan. 13, 2005 -- A new engine oil specification, Power Guard(R) Oil Specification 93K214, was announced today by Detroit Diesel Corporation. The release of a new enhanced Power Guard 93K214 specification comes in response to the rapidly changing requirements for emission controlled engines.

"Over the past couple of years we have seen a proliferation of OEM specifications and requirements for emission controlled engines that are quite dynamic. As a result, DDC has strengthened its oil specifications to provide better engine durability and performance," said Mesfin Belay, Senior Chemist at Detroit Diesel Corporation.

The new specification should be used with model year 2002 and later engines in Series 50, Series 60, MBE 900 and MBE 4000 products. The specification can also be used in pre-2002 model year engines.

While the current American Petroleum Institute (API) Service Category CI-4 Plus forms the core of the 93K214 specification, the enhancements ensure adequate lubrication performance for new emission controlled engines, particularly those equipped with cooled exhaust gas recirculation. Additionally, the rapid penetration of Mercedes Benz engines and market driven oil drain interval extensions underscore the importance of the correct oil specification.

"Today's oils offer better oxidation protection, the ability to handle higher soot loads, and the capacity to neutralize more acids," said Belay. "Using the most current premium formulated and approved oil, together with the proper oil filtration system, provides the best performance for our customers."

To ease customer reference, DDC will be publishing its recommended oils on the Detroit Diesel website (http://www.detroitdiesel.com/ ). All approved oils will be labeled "Meets DDC Power Guard(R) Oil Specification 93K214."

Detroit Diesel Corporation, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, is engaged in the design, manufacture, sale and service of heavy-duty diesel and alternative fuel engines, automotive diesel engines and engine-related products. The company offers a complete line of engines for the on-highway markets and is QS-9000 certified. Detroit Diesel services these markets directly through a worldwide network of more than 2,700 authorized distributor and dealer locations. Detroit Diesel is a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG, the world's leading manufacturing of heavy-duty diesel truck engines.