Sales of low-emission engines picking up

Several truck and diesel engine manufacturers report that sales of low-emission engines that comply with strict new regulations that went into effect in 2002 are steadily climbing.

Columbus IN-based engine maker Cummins Inc said it has recorded orders for more than 12,000 of its EPA '02-compliant engines. Volvo Trucks North America has also reported increasing sales of Class 8 tractors equipped with either its emission-compliant VED12 engine or Cummins' low-emission ISX model.

Cummins said that more than 4,200 EPA '02-compliant engines are already in service, accumulating a total of 37 million road miles. Cummins said many large fleets have committed to buy its low-emission engines, such as Salt Lake City UT-based refrigerated carrier C R England and Indianapolis IN-based truckload conglomerate Celadon Group.

Several truckload and LTL carriers have placed large orders with Volvo for VN tractors equipped with '02 engines.

Overland Park KS-based LTL carrier Yellow Transportation has ordered 154 trucks, Phoenix AZ-based truckload operator Swift Transportation has ordered 50 units, and Chattanooga TN-based US Xpress Enterprises has ordered 50 VN tractors with the new engines.

Private carrier Tyson Foods has ordered 227 VN tractors with '02 engines, and Phoenix-based truckload operator Knight Transportation is planning to buy 3,000 VN units through 2006 equipped with low-emission engines.