MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (April 30, 2003) — Just as truck owners are starting to feel more comfortable with diesels designed to comply with tougher emission rules that took effect last October, engine manufacturers are preparing for even more stringent regulations that begin to take effect in 2007.

Catalytica Energy Systems, which produces application catalysts to combustion systems and next-generation fuel processors, said it has signed agreements with two major engine OEMs to test diesel fuel processor technology designed to help the engines reduce nitrogen oxide output by 50 per cent by 2007 and up to 90 per cent by 2010. Those are the targets mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Confidentiality agreements prevent Catalytica, based in Mountainview, Calif., from disclosing the names of the manufacturers, spokesperson Megan Meloni said. Testing will begin next month using two full-scale prototype diesel fuel processors. The company said its fuel processor improves existing NOx trap performance.