New Generation Gasoline Generators Reduce Carbon Monoxide Emissions By 99 Percent

KOHLER, Wis., Sept. 21 -- Kohler Power Systems, the market leader in gasoline-powered marine generators, introduces a new line of marine generators that nearly eliminate carbon monoxide (CO) emissions altogether.

The new low carbon monoxide KOHLER gasoline generators significantly reduce CO emissions by 99 percent, which both EPA emissions and Kohler reliability tests confirm. The new KOHLER gasoline generators exceed both CARB and EPA standards for CO and HC+ (hydrocarbons) and NOx (nitrogen oxides) emission levels, and have received certification from both organizations.

The Kohler 5ECD and 7.3ECD models are available for immediate delivery, while the 10-15kW models will be available in first quarter 2006. Several pleasure-craft brands will feature the new KOHLER low carbon monoxide generators on 2006 models.

"We've replaced the carburetor with an adaptive strategy, computer- controlled engine utilizing electronic fuel injection that is responsive and reduces the carbon monoxide emitted from gasoline-powered generators," said Richard Koehl, Director of Engineering-Kohler Power Systems.

"What's also significant about this new line of low carbon monoxide generators is that we've been able to engineer it so that it is simple to access and service if necessary," said Koehl, recognizing that the one-side serviceability of the fuel filter, cooling system and lubrication system is attractive to boat owners. The new bulkhead installation panel also makes installation easier due to external connections to the generator. The new KOHLER low carbon monoxide generators also feature significantly fewer parts than competitive models.

Maintaining a safe temperature using the generator catalyst technology is another innovation Kohler has been able to offer. "We've engineered a way to utilize water to cool the generator catalyst, which will keep all the under- the-deck generator components cool and therefore, safe to the touch." Kohler has filed a provisional patent application on the cool catalyst technology, said Koehl.

Kohler Power Systems has also introduced an engine control module to its new line of gasoline generators, which is unique to the market, said Koehl. The module and the patented Kohler Advanced Digital Control work in harmony to optimize all generator and engine functions so that the engine adapts to the requirements of use during its lifetime.

  Generator features
  -- Four-cycle, two-cylinder gasoline engine (3600 RPM at 60Hz) with an
     electronic governor. The engine meets U.S. Coast Guard safety standards
     for electrical systems and gasoline-fuel systems (33CFR183).
  -- The sequential port, throttle body fuel-injected system offers a fuel
     savings of up to 25% over current KOHLER gasoline generator models.
  -- Kohler offers the first and only integrated fuel pump cooler, which
     requires no fuel return line to the fuel tank. A high-pressure pump
     uses sea water as a cooling medium for the internal fuel return. This
     internal fuel "loop" eliminates vapor-loc and the need for an
     additional return fuel line. This allows for a lower overall
     installation cost and allows for easier retrofit to older boats.
  -- The 5 and 7.3ECD generators are compact and lightweight. Both the 5kW
     and 7.3kW KOHLER generators are 17.45"W x 28.45"L x 17.25"H and weigh
     only 200 lbs.
  -- Sound-shielded generator-set installations are simplified with the use
     of the bulkhead connection panel.
  -- Kohler gasoline generators remain one of the quietest in the market.
     Optional aluminum sound shields reduce the generator sound to 68 d(B)A
     at 1 meter.

  Advanced Digital Control

Never before has Kohler Power Systems offered a more advanced microprocessor controller on its range of marine generators. The KOHLER Advanced Digital Control (ADC) has been a standard feature on its recently released diesel generators (8-32kW) and is now available on its newest gasoline generators. Monitoring 13 fault conditions, the ADC was designed to deliver more precise voltage and frequency regulation for today's sophisticated boating electronics. The ADC offers enhanced diagnostic and critical generator operational parameters on an easy-to-read seven-segment alphanumeric display. The ADC displays runtime hours, cyclic crank status, and system fault codes. The 5 and 7.3ECD features SmartCraft(TM) output capabilities.

Kohler Power Systems is a division of Kohler Co., and provides complete power systems, including generators (stationary, residential, mobile and marine), automatic transfer switches, switchgear, monitoring controls, and accessories for emergency, prime power, and energy-management applications. Kohler Power Systems delivers energy solutions for markets worldwide. Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, named Kohler Power Systems the 2003 Energy Industry Company of the Year. Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of the nation's oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a worldwide leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, utility engines and power-generation systems, home interiors, and hospitality services.

SmartCraft(TM) is a trademark of Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corp.