PEORIA, Ill. (June 2, 2005) – U.S. President George Bush says he’s impressed with Caterpillar’s 2007 emission-cutting ACERT engine.

Cat gave the President a first hand look at a new Cat C13, which utilizes clean diesel technology to meet stringent 2007 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions standards for on-highway truck and bus engines. The viewing took place in West Point, Virginia, where Bush highlighted key elements of his energy policy.

“Caterpillar applauds President Bush for his commitment and support of clean diesel initiatives,” said Doug Oberhelman, Caterpillar group president with responsibility for the company’s power systems business. “The on-highway standards for 2007 will help to provide cleaner air for our environment. While these standards present an enormous technological challenge.”

Caterpillar has pledged to provide hundreds of 2007 compliant truck engines to truck fleet customers this summer so they will have the opportunity to field test this new technology well ahead of the rigorous 2007 emissions deadline.

Cat was the only engine maker to stray away from cooled exhaust-gas recirculation technology in meeting the first wave of EPA emission regs in 2002, opting for ACERT instead. Currently more than 200,000 on-highway engines featuring ACERT Technology are on the road.

At the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ken. earlier this year, Cat announced its ’07 ACERT strategy will include a closed crankcase ventilation, a diesel particulate matter (PM) filter, and a new Clean Gas Induction (CGI) enhanced combustion process.

The company says engines with 500 hp or less will need one PM filter, while engines with more horsepower will need two. The CGI focuses on NOx reduction by drawing clean, inert gas from downflow of the PM filter, cooling it and putting it in the air intake system.

“Caterpillar has invested more than $1 billion in research and development for ACERT and other clean diesel projects to help our customers meet today’s standards, and future regulations,” Oberhelman said. “Caterpillar customers know they have a 2007 emissions solution using ACERT technology which will work hand-in-hand with the Bush administration’s upcoming low sulfur diesel fuel regulations,” said Oberhelman.