Diesel engine designer and manufacturer International Truck and Engine Corporation has partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate the agency's clean diesel combustion (CDC) technology, a potentially winning pathway for diesel engines to meet stringent automotive Tier 2 emissions levels in 2007 and 2010. The partnership takes place through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to determine the commercial viability of the diesel emission technology, invented in the EPA’s National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich. The new technology uses in-cylinder control of nitrogen oxides (NOx) to reduce or eliminate entirely the need for after treatment related to NOx. International is evaluating CDC technology for use in its product line, starting with its V-6, diesel sized for SUVs and pickup trucks. EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt said that this technology shows great potential to further the viability of environmentally friendly diesel power in popular passenger vehicles such as SUVs and pickups. These vehicles, he said, would save consumers money, reduce health-related and greenhouse gas emissions, and lower U.S. dependence on imported oil. Allen added that while the current technology will be tested on a V-6 engine for pickup and SUV applications, International also plans to look into ways to adapt the technology for heavy duty commercial vehicles. The new technology relies on improvements in several diesel engine systems, including fuel injection, air management, boost, and combustion. It eliminates the need to rely on breakthrough after-treatment technologies in order to reach upcoming EPA emissions standards. By reducing the cost of future emissions control, it is expected to make diesel a more viable option for light-duty applications such as automobiles and SUVs. International Truck and Engine produces mid-range diesel engines, medium trucks, heavy trucks, severe service vehicles, bus chassis and a provider of parts and service sold under the International® brand. The company also is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. Additionally, through a joint venture with Ford Motor Company, the company builds medium commercial trucks and sells truck and diesel engine service parts. A subsidiary, IC Corporation, produces integrated school buses.