California Air Resources Board Verifies Cleaire Diesel Retrofit System; First of Its Kind to Reduce Both Soot and Smog

    SAN LEANDRO, Calif.--April 21, 2003--The first retrofit product that reduces both black soot and smog-producing emissions from diesel engines has been verified to be effective by the California Air Resources Board.
    Cleaire Advanced Emission Controls announced the verification today. The air board verified that the Longview system reduces particulate matter, the small particles of black soot in diesel exhaust, by 85 percent. It simultaneously reduces oxides of nitrogen (NOx), a prime contributor to smog, by 25 percent.
    Both particulate matter and smog have been linked to asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
    "Retrofitting will result in immediate improvements in air quality," said Kevin Shanahan, Cleaire president. "We're very proud to have a system that maintains the efficiency and reliability of diesel engines while addressing our concerns about air quality and health."
    "Finally we have a verified technology that can be immediately deployed to address the air pollution affecting so many California citizens," said Tim Taylor, mobile source division manager at the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District.
    "We are extremely pleased to have received verification of the Longview from the California Air Resources Board," added Brad Edgar, executive vice president and chief technology officer for Cleaire. "CARB verification is a rigorous process designed to protect the consumer. Verification of the Longview proves that it is a reliable, robust and effective technology."
    In addition, verification makes the Longview eligible for purchase through federal, state and regional incentive funds. It serves as proof that installation of the Longview complies with state particulate matter retrofit regulations.
    Cleaire began producing the Longview in the fall of 2001. It has been installed throughout California on approximately 60 vehicles, including vehicles owned by Caltrans, the AC Transit and County Connection bus fleets in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, and the Samtrans bus system in San Mateo County. It also is in use on dump trucks, refuse trucks and long-haul trucks.
    "We are very impressed with the performance of the Longview, but were even more impressed with the ease and quality of installation. The system fits seamlessly with the vehicle, and has minimal effect on engine efficiency," said Scott Mitchell, maintenance manager at County Connection.
    The product replaces the muffler on diesel-powered vehicles.
    Cleaire is a division of Cummins West, Inc., the Cummins engine distributor for northern and central California. The Longview is available through Cummins' distribution network, offering installation capacity and product support.
    Cleaire is also developing other products to address specific segments of the diesel engine population, and expects verification of these emission control systems later this year.
    Cleaire Advanced Emission Controls (www.Cleaire.com) is a division of Cummins West, Inc. Cleaire develops and manufactures retrofit systems that reduce emissions from diesel engines. Headquarters are at 14775 Wicks Blvd., San Leandro, CA 94577.