Detroit Diesel confirms layoffs

Aug. 21, 2002
Detroit Diesel Corp. (DDC) said it would follow through with plans to lay off between 500 and 700 workers and retool its manufacturing facility after it did not hear from a federal judge Monday. DDC had asked the court to allow it to continue producing and selling its traditional diesel engines after the October 1 EPA emissions deadline. Fleets are concerned that new EGR-equipped engines have not
Detroit Diesel Corp. (DDC) said it wouldfollow through with plans to lay off between 500 and 700 workers and retool its manufacturing facility after it did not hear from a federal judge Monday. DDC had asked the court to allow it to continue producing and selling its traditional diesel engines after the October 1 EPA emissions deadline.

Fleets are concerned that new EGR-equipped engines have not been adequately field-tested. However, by October 1, DDC said it will have accumulated approximately eight-million test miles on its fleet of test vehicles equipped with October 2002 prototype engines.

Workers at its Redford, MI on-highway engine plant will be idled for an indefinite time by the second week of October because orders for Series 60 engines fell, spokesman Tom Freiwald said. DaimlerChrysler, DDC's parent company, expects to recall them when demand returns, he said.

Engine production will decline to 50 to 60 engines daily in October from about 250 a day now, Freiwald said. Fleets have been pre-buying trucks to beat the October 1 deadline and thereby avoid the new technology.

Sponsored Recommendations

Way Beyond Weight: 5 Ways Truck Weights Affect Fleet Operations

Truck weights affect everything from highway safety and operational costs to back-office efficiency. Here’s how.

Heavy-Duty Maintenance Checklist

A maintenance checklist can help ensure you hit everything necessary during an inspection. Check out our free downloadable checklist to help streamline your repairs.

Five Ways a Little Data Can Save Your Company Millions

While most trucking and logistics companies rely on cellular to keep their work fleet connected, satellite has the ability to connect anywhere and through small data transmission...

Fleet Case Study: 15% YOY Growth for ITDS

Learn how this small trucking company scaled significantly and maintained outstanding customer service without adding additional people. Sylectus TMS can automate operations and...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!