WASHINGTON DC — Starting in April, major truck and trailer manufacturers will be offering customers 2007 models certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s fuel-friendly SmartWay program. By meeting EPA equipment specifications, these models provide the triple benefit of saving operators money while reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and air pollutants, EPA officials said.

“These new trucks will make an important contribution toward achieving EPA’s goals for conserving energy and reducing emissions,” said Bill Wehrum, EPA’s acting assistant administrator for air and radiation. “Truckers who buy this new equipment, and who are members of the EPA SmartWay program, will be able to proudly display a logo on their qualified big-rigs.”

SmartWay-approved equipment, like aerodynamic bumpers and mirrors that cut wind resistance, can generate fuel reduction of 10 to 20% more than trucks without these devices, agency officials say. EPA says each qualified truck can produce savings from 2,000 to 4,000 gallons of diesel per year, which would result in a gain up to US$11,000 annually.

OEMs participating in the program include Freightliner, International, Kenworth, Mack, Peterbilt, and Volvo.

EPA plans to set more ambitious performance targets for the SmartWay-recognized tractor-trailer combination in the future. EPA is also developing guidelines for recognizing other vehicles such as delivery vans, in which hybrid technology can dramatically improve fuel efficiency.

For more information visit www.epa.gov/smartway.