PORTLAND, Ore. — Freightliner and Western Star trucks with Detroit Diesel engines using BlueTec selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in 2010 will come with a $9,000 emissions surcharge, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) announced this morning.

The surcharge will apply to the Detroit Diesel DD15, DD16 and DD13 engines. Medium-duty trucks with the Cummins ISC8.3 and ISB6.7 will be slapped with a $7,300 and $6,700 surcharge respectively, the company announced.

However, DTNA officials said fuel economy savings will help customers recoup the increased purchase price.

“SCR is the only emissions technology in decades proven to be as good for business as it is for the environment,” said Martin Daum, president and CEO, DTNA.

Mark Lampert, senior vice-president of sales for DTNA added “SCR is the only technology that will provide significant fuel savings to our customers. In fact, customers are reporting up to a 5% increase in miles per gallon with BlueTec-equipped EPA 2010 test engines hauling freight today.”

Daimler officials said fuel economy is improved thanks to three factors: reduced engine-out NOx levels, extended diesel particulate filter regeneration intervals, and improved exhaust backpressure rates. It also says dialing back exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) levels lowers heat rejection, so no modifications will be required to the cooling package.