Dearborn, Mich. — The Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) is applauding enhancements to the 21st Century Truck Initiative that will see the U.S. government and partner companies engage in joint R&D.

Under the new phase of the 21st Century Truck Initiative announced by U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abram, government and private companies will work together to develop new energy-saving technologies such as advanced combustion engines, hybrid drives and idle reduction.

These technologies will then be applied to production and retrofitting of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to make diesel engines cleaner and more fuel efficient.

“This partnership is another example of the diesel industry’s deep commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in this technology,” says Allen Schaffer, executive director of the DTF.

“Bringing key government agenciestogether with leaders in the diesel industry is itself a significant achievement, setting the stage for further cooperation in the effort to develop even cleaner and more efficient diesel-powered trucks and buses,” he says.

The 21st Century Truck Initiative includes the involvment of the U.S. Army, the Department of Energy, the Enivromental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Transportation. In the private sector, 16 industry companies are involved including Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, General Motors, Honeywell and Eaton.