WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With new clean diesel heavy-duty engines set to roll off of assembly lines nationwide this year, the diesel industry demonstrated today it has met the technological and regulatory challenges of manufacturing trucks that produce up to 90 percent fewer emissions than the previous generation of diesels, helping to usher in a new era of clean air progress.

"This new year signals the arrival of a new generation of clean diesel trucks that will fundamentally change the way people think about diesel engine technology in this country," said Allen Schaeffer , executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. "New clean diesel trucks sold beginning in 2007 will produce 90 percent fewer emissions of particles and significantly lower emissions of nitrogen oxide [NOx] than trucks built in 2006. The exhaust from these trucks is so clean they even pass the 'white handkerchief test,' and more importantly, they will play a key role in helping states and communities around the country meet more stringent clean air goals."

Developing these new generation clean diesel engines and trucks has required industry-wide multi-billion dollar engineering and research investments by emissions control manufacturers and engine and truck makers that have been underway since the beginning of this decade. In addition to requiring the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel, these trucks and engines deploy the latest state-of-the-art technology in engine management, fuel injection, emissions reduction and turbo charging innovations.

"With the seamless transition to cleaner diesel fuel last October, we're confident that these new advanced technology trucks will soon hit the streets and highways with even greater success," Schaeffer added. "These trucks are the most tested in history, racking up millions of miles in real-world pre-production fleet-testing programs," continued Schaeffer. Achieving extremely low emissions is technically demanding because engines must meet the low standards for at least 435,000 miles. Manufacturers must also simultaneously optimize key customer attributes such as fuel efficiency, operating costs, maintainability and reliability.

"Manufacturers are ready to deliver new clean trucks with the power and performance truckers demand," Schaeffer added. "Growth in the economy means growth in moving goods and trucking, and diesel trucks are the lifeblood of moving goods in this country, accounting for 94 percent of consumer retail items delivered to store shelves. Diesel's unique combination of energy efficiency, reliability and durability has made it the undeniable choice for the nation's trucking industry."