GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo has received an order for 370 SCR-equipped Volvo VNs from US mega-fleet Knight Transportation.

The company is touting the order as an indication it has chosen the right path to EPA2010 compliance. The trucks use selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to meet the latest emissions requirements.

Volvo says it will begin deliveries of the trucks in April and has already produced 85 EPA2010-certified trucks for customers and dealers as of Jan. 20.

According to the truck maker, Volvo’s 2010 emissions system with SCR improves fuel mileage by up to 5% while eliminating active regenerations of the diesel particulate filter. All of the trucks Knight ordered will come equipped with Volvo’s D13 engine rated at 425 hp. About 3,000 of Knight’s 3,736 trucks are Volvo VNs.

“Knight Transportation made an important statement with this order,” said Scott Kress, Volvo Trucks senior vice-president,  sales and marketing. “Volvo has invested many years of research, development and testing in SCR technology and we know it is clearly the best way to reduce emissions while improving fuel economy. We’re gratified Knight’s management recognized the benefits of Volvo’s technology, and we think their example will help others in the industry make the same choice.”

“We want to have this new technology from Volvo,” added Dave Williams, Knight Transportation’s vice-president of equipment and maintenance. “We will gain fuel economy. We’ve tested the technology and we’re comfortable with it. These trucks are better for the environment and they’re better for us.”