Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. (MFTA), has announced that its EPA 2010-emissions compliant commercial trucks will use engines equipped with BlueTec^® technology developed by Mitsubishi Fuso and Daimler AG. BlueTec^® is an emissions control technology that utilizes selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions for clean, efficient operation.

"BlueTec^® SCR represents an excellent solution for Mitsubishi Fuso's North American customers to meet EPA 2010 emissions regulations," said Leighton Good, MFTA's manager, product and applications. "It is a proven, easy-to-use technology designed to increase fuel economy while protecting the environment."

According to Mr. Good, BlueTec^® SCR has been in commercial operation in Europe since 2005, with 250,000 commercial vehicles sold so far, most running in Europe. In addition, Daimler Trucks North America has subjected BlueTec^® SCR to tests totaling 25 million miles in preparation to meet EPA 2010 standards.  "We know exactly how the technology functions over time, and we're confident it will provide our trucks with unparalleled operational stability and reliability," he said.

BlueTec^® emissions technology requires no complex changes to the engine's operation. Rather, it provides full emissions compliance by treating the downstream exhaust gas. The system consists of components already introduced to meet EPA's 2007 emissions regulations (the diesel particulate filter, or DPF, and diesel oxidation catalyst, or DOC), plus SCR catalyst and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank, doser and control module. During operation, the DEF doser atomizes and sprays small, carefully regulated amounts of diesel exhaust fluid into the exhaust stream. Once in the SCR catalyst, the NO_x in the exhaust gas reacts with the DEF to form water and nitrogen - both harmless components of the air we breathe.

With BlueTec^® technology, exhaust gas recirculation can actually be reduced, improving engine efficiency. In addition, the regeneration interval of the diesel particulate filter is extended, requiring less fuel to burn off the soot collected by the filter. The combination of these innovations is improved fuel economy, compared to EPA 2007-compliant engines with comparable ratings, under the same operating conditions and loads.

A DEF gauge will be integrated into the instrument panel, to allow the driver to readily monitor DEF tank level.  In addition, on-board diagnostics will monitor the function of the emissions system to maintain EPA 2010 compliance and immediately communicate system status to the driver.

While DEF consumption will depend on driving conditions, load, terrain and other factors, MFTA expects refill intervals to be relatively infrequent.DEF will be available for purchase from authorized Mitsubishi Fuso dealers, as well as at many select service stations across the country. For more information, visit www.mitfuso.com.