LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa — Mack Trucks announced recently that it will use engine technology based on exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to meet new federal diesel engine emissions regulations scheduled to take effect in 2007.

Mack also confirmed that its EPA ’07 solution would include a diesel particulate filter (DPF) system to achieve reductions in particulate matter called for in the new regulations. The company said the decision to concentrate on EGR for its 2007 engines reflects its experience with similar technology in its current ASET engine lineup.

“Mack ASET engines have been in customer trucks since early 2002, and that means no other engine manufacturer has more experience with EGR than we do,” said Mack president and CEO Paul Vikner. “Our engines have all been in compliance with the EPA ’02 emissions standards since they took effect, and the ASET technology continues to meet expectations in terms of fuel economy, uptime and performance. By building on what we’ve learned with the ASET approach, especially in optimizing engines to meet the unique demands of Mack customers, we’re confident that our ’07 engines will offer breakthrough quality and performance while meeting the new EPA emissions standards,” he said.

EGR systems accomplish emissions reduction by returning a portion of exhaust gases back into the engine’s combustion cycle. The recirculated exhaust serves to reduce combustion temperature, which retards the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the engine’s operations.

Vikner said Mack expects to have engines with its EGR-based EPA ’07 technology in field testing with selected customers in 2005, and he pledged to continue Mack’s participation in industry efforts to ensure that customer needs and concerns are addressed as the 2007 deadline approaches.

“Everyone in this industry wants to avoid the confusion and market upheavals that accompanied the EPA ’02 emissions regulations,” he said. “Mack is committed to making sure our customers can be confident our EPA ’07 engines will meet or exceed their high expectations for performance and reliability.”

For more information visit www.macktrucks.com