COLUMBUS, Ind. — Cummins has announced it will join most other engine manufacturers in using urea-based Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) on its heavy-duty engines in 2010.

The company initially announced its heavy-duty engines would be EPA2010-compliant without exhaust aftertreatment to reduce NOx. It has planned all along to use SCR for its mid-range engines. In a press release issued this morning, Cummins said recent technology developments have prompted it to change course for 2010, to optimize the fuel efficiency of its engines.

“Cummins expertise in engine system integration means that we have the capability to make the engine systems and aftertreatment technologies work together seamlessly,” said Steve Charlton, vice-president, heavy-duty engineering. “The addition of the new SCR catalyst technology ensures that Cummins will deliver the best fuel economy in the industry and total operating cost benefits to our customers.”

Cummins SCR system will be provided by Cummins Emission Solutions, the company announced. Cummins heavy-duty engines will continue to use the previously-announced technology package consisting of an XPI fuel system, exhaust gas recirculation, a Cummins VGT turbocharger and a diesel particulate filter.

“This move demonstrates Cummins ability to adapt to a changing environment by leveraging technology advancements from our mid-range engine development and Cummins Emission Solutions,” said Ed Pence, vice-president and general manager, Heavy-Duty Engine Business. “Our 2010 engine development is progressing on plan, and customers can depend on Cummins to deliver these new products on time, with the reliability, performance and fuel economy that they have come to expect from us.”

The announcement leaves Navistar as the only heavy-duty engine manufacturer planning to offer a non-SCR solution for 2010.

Stay tuned for more information, as Cummins has scheduled a teleconference with the press for later today.