Caterpillar Inc. recently has received certification by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the company’s first engine equipped with breakthrough Advanced Combustion Emission Reduction Technology (ACERT). The technology provides a long-term emissions solution for the North American trucking, bus, construction and mining industries, and positions Caterpillar to meet future EPA emissions regulations for both on and off-highway engines.

"This certification marks a significant milestone for Caterpillar and our customers," said Richard L. Thompson, Caterpillar group president with responsibility for the company’s engine division. "ACERT is truly breakthrough technology that will meet the clean air goals we all support -- while maintaining the superior engine reliability and performance our customers have come to expect from Caterpillar products."

ACERT is a differentiated, breakthrough technology that reduces emissions at the point of combustion, while preserving engine reliability and durability. The technology capitalizes on Caterpillar’s proven global leadership in engine electronics, fuel injection systems and combustion technology.

"Thanks to the tireless dedication and determination of hundreds of Caterpillar employees, we are right on schedule with the introduction of ACERT technology," Thompson said. "ACERT will set a new industry standard for clean diesel engine technology in both on-highway trucks and buses, as well as off-road Caterpillar construction and mining machines."

The first EPA-certified Caterpillar engine with ACERT technology is the C9 engine, which is popular with customers who operate emergency and recreational vehicles, mass transit buses, and vocational class trucks such as refuse haulers and dump trucks. Full production of the C9 with ACERT technology will begin in the first quarter of this year.

All Caterpillar on-highway truck and bus engines will be equipped with ACERT technology by the fourth quarter of 2003. The technology will also be used to meet future emissions regulations for Caterpillar’s entire diesel engine product line, including construction and mining machines and power generation units.

Caterpillar is a manufacturer and supplier of truck and bus engines in the combined medium and heavy-duty categories in North America, holding the lead position in engine shipments to vehicle manufacturers since 1999. In 2002, for the third consecutive year, Caterpillar on-highway truck engines received the highest customer satisfaction rankings issued by J.D. Power and Associates.

For more information visit, www.cat.com .

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