COLUMBUS, IN — Cummins Inc., working with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), announced on May 3 that it has made significant progress toward meeting engine efficiency and emissions targets as part of the government/industry 21st Century Truck Partnership with the truck and bus industry. Cummins has demonstrated an ISX heavy- duty truck engine with an increased Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) of 45 percent while reducing emissions to levels associated with the future introduction of 2007 technology. Particulate Matter emissions were reduced to 0.01 gram/hp-hr by utilizing a Cummins Particulate Filter, while oxides of nitrogen were lowered to 1.2 gram/hp-hr using in-cylinder combustion control. The work provides a foundation for the further development of engines capable of meeting EPA 2007/10 emissions. Current heavy-duty engines meeting the EPA 2002 regulation typically achieve a BTE level of 41 percent. Brake Thermal Efficiency represents in percentage terms the amount of energy converted from diesel fuel into useful mechanical work by the engine. By increasing the BTE level, the engine becomes more efficient and offers the potential for increased fuel efficiency by a near equivalent percentage. Coincidentally, achieving higher fuel efficiency also results in reduced CO2 greenhouse gas emissions from the engine. Commenting on Cummins contribution to the program, Edward J. Wall, head of DOE's FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Office said, "Heavy-duty truck diesels represent the most energy-efficient power unit we have on the road today for moving goods or passengers. As part of this program between government and industry, Cummins has successfully demonstrated that the heavy-duty engine has the potential for even higher levels of efficiency while still meeting stringent emissions requirements. Looking ahead, this offers the opportunity for our trucks and buses to reduce fuel consumption and help reduce the nation's dependency on imported oil." The 21st Century Truck Partnership between government and industry was initiated in April 2001 with the key aim of achieving a ten-fold reduction in engine emissions combined with a substantial increase in engine efficiency. The DOE leads a federal multi-agency mission to reduce dependence on imported oil and improve the nation's air quality. Cummins, along with other industry participants, has worked in close cooperation with the DOE to set ambitious program targets through 2012.