International Truck & Engine expects that customers will pay $5,000-$10,000 more for trucks that comply with 2007 diesel emissions regulations. The company released preliminary information on both pricing and fuel economy, noting it was working on minimizing the impact of both on its customers.
Prices for International mid-range diesel powered trucks and IC buses are estimated to increase $5,000 to $6,000 per vehicle. International Class 8 truck/tractors with supplier engines are estimated to range from $7,000 to $10,000. Additional charges will apply with certain engines where higher horsepower requires dual after treatment.
“We are supporting incentives to mitigate these price increases through our work with the American Trucking Associations (ATA),” said Patrick Charbonneau, vice president, government relations. “The ATA is engaged in discussions with a number of elected officials to give customers a five percent tax credit on Class 8 trucks containing the new engines.”
Based on current tests of International engines, fuel economy degradation currently is estimated beyond the 1% expected through the use of ultra low sulfur fuel. Christman said International is also focused on maximizing fuel economy to close the gap.
For its family of mid-range engines, International will be optimizing exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and using proven air management and fuel injection systems in addition to a diesel particulate filter based upon six years of Green Diesel Technology vehicle development.
International also noted it is closely collaborating with its engine suppliers, Caterpillar and Cummins, both of which will be using cooled EGR strategies, for the 2007 solutions in its Class 8 trucks.