MOSSVILLE, Ill. — With more than 1.59 million Cat engines on the road today, and more than 1.17 million on-highway engines shipped in the last 12 years, 2006 was a record-breaking year for Caterpillar Global On-Highway engine sales.

This success is a direct result of Caterpillar’s commitment to developing technology solutions, specifically the introduction of the company’s state-of-the-art ACERT Technology for emissions reduction, explained the manufacturer.

“Developing and enhancing ACERT Technology is an ongoing process and has involved a huge investment in research,” said George Taylor, director and general manager, Global On-Highway at Caterpillar. “This technology was originally designed to meet stringent emissions standards without sacrificing performance or fuel economy. The enhancements made to meet the 2007 regulations provide customers even greater engine value now and in the future.”

The ACERT Technology employed by the new Caterpillar engine line for 2007 remains a systems solution, refined to meet the more stringent 2007 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions regulations.

“Over the past year, 56 fleets have rolled up nearly 12 million miles on more than one hundred Cat 2007 pre-production engines,” said Taylor.

In order to provide seamless service to truck owners, more than 600 technicians at both Cat dealers and OEM truck dealers have received extensive technical training with 2007 Cat engines with ACERT Technology.

This training included hands-on instruction on the various systems and technology employed by the 2007 engines: the diesel particulate filter (DPF), the Cat Regeneration System (CRS), and Caterpillar’s Clean Gas Induction (CGI).

Online training programs also have been provided, along with a dealer training kit including a training manual, a DVD and various supporting material to train branch locations and OEM truck dealers.

“The online training program has reached more than 20,000 technicians who work at both Caterpillar and OEM truck dealers,” said Steve Ashburn, product support consultant, Caterpillar Global On-Highway. “And for three months last fall, we brought in Caterpillar training instructors from every dealership in North America for in-depth training on the new 2007 engines. These people are responsible for passing this knowledge to technicians at dealerships across North America.”

The parts distribution process also will be seamless, with parts already stocked and available when needed, according to Taylor. Cat engine parts currently are available through any Caterpillar authorized dealer, and Cat Electronic Technician software has been updated to accurately diagnose the 2007 engines.