Tracking the impact

Research firm MacKay & Co. recently studied the impact of emissions control technology on engine maintenance cost as part of the firm's DataMac Truck service, which tracks the size and profile of the aftermarket for all parts on Class 6-8 trucks, school buses and trailers. MacKay & Co.'s interviews with fleets and OEMs alike suggest that emissions control systems are significantly affecting both engine life and maintenance costs:

• OEMs believe that exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) reduces engine life to overhaul up to 25%, with MacKay & Co.'s Fleet and Operator surveys demonstrating an 11-14% reduction in miles to overhaul or rebuild.

• This has led to a shift to more complete engine replacements resulting in higher costs per failure than a repair or rebuild.

• These changes have resulted in a 17.5% increase in demand for “power generation” services in the trucking business over the last year, i.e., a higher level of aftermarket demand related to internal and external engine components, engine repair, and maintenance in 2010 over 2009.