LOS ANGELES, Ca – International has announced that it will build a school bus next year that features the ultra-low emissions of its so-called Green Diesel technology. The system that treats exhaust gases will be available by next summer on a rear engine school bus with an International 530E engine.

The 275-hp International diesel will be equipped with a “catalyzed particulate filter”, and fueled with ultra-low-sulfur diesel that’s available in selected markets. The sulfur content of the fuel at the heart of the system sits under 15 parts per million.

“Diesel fuel is the choice for the long-term because it is safe and economical, and it already has a delivery infrastructure in place. Now, our advanced diesel technology combined with the availability of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel can meet the demands of our bus customers who are faced with new emissions requirements or demands to switch to other fuels,” said Patrick E. Charbonneau, vice-president of engine engineering for International’s engine group.

International first unveiled a “Green Diesel” truck in June 1999, reducing particulate emissions by more than 90 per cent, and eliminating the odors often associated with diesel engines.

The company says it will give bus users an engine that will better the particulate matter, hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide levels of natural gas engines, and meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards that in 2007 are expected to tighten to .01 to .02 grams of particulate matter per brake horsepower hour.

Charbonneau likens the need for low-sulfur diesel to the development of unleaded gasoline in 1975, which was needed because leaded gasoline was damaging catalytic converters.

Leaded gasoline was phased out by 1986. n