LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — Mack’s MP7 and MP8 engines are now available in a CARB-friendly configuration which can be idled beyond five minutes in California.

Customers can now spec’ an “Idle Emission Certification CARB 08” version of both engines built after Jan. 1, 2008, the company says. California’s stringent anti-idling rules, introduced earlier this year, do not allow non-compliant engines to idle longer than five minutes.

In order to be exempt from the no-idle rule, an engine must emit less than 30 grams of NOx per hour. Mack officials says both the MP7 and MP8 are now capable of this. Mack says it is already taking orders on the new option.

A decal must be affixed to the hood of trucks with a CARB-approved engine.

“This feature gives Mack drivers the ability to idle their engines as needed, while still emitting extremely low levels of NOx,” said David McKenna, Mack powertrain sales and marketing manager. “Our customers know not to idle unnecessarily, but they will be pleased with having this option for those times when idling is necessary. And Mack MP engines are designed to be very fuel efficient while idling.”