As of January 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requiring transport refrigeration unit manufacturers to begin using Tier 2 lower-emission engines in truck units. Thermo King requested a brief extension on the EPA deadline so that it could introduce new truck reefer engines that would not only satisfy the Tier 2 emission requirements, but also its 2008 Interim Tier 4 emission requirements. There have been no further EPA regulations for engines in this horsepower class beyond the Interim Tier 4 regulation. As a result, customers purchasing Thermo King's new 2005 truck units with Tier 2 truck engines are assured EPA compliance until 2016 and beyond.
“All diesel-powered truck units will transition to Tier 2 engines with installation beginning this fall at our Hastings NE plant,” said Tim Ryan, director — product management truck solutions, Americas.