Emission Regulations Drive Development and Release of New Fuel Systems
15 December 2000
Emission Regulations Drive Development and Release of New IMPCO Fuel Systems CERRITOS, Calif., Dec. 15 IMPCO Technologies, Inc.
announced today that it plans to release an all-new series of
advanced, next-generation fuel systems for industrial applications such as
forklifts and power generation units. These new systems, which feature a
comprehensive array of technical levels, will be marketed under the Spectrum
brand name. The global market for industrial equipment using internal
combustion engines is estimated to be over a quarter million units per year.
Mr. Dennis Hartman, Vice President and General Manager of the Gaseous Fuel
Products Division said, "The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are expanding exhaust emission
regulation coverage to include off road industrial equipment starting in the
year 2001. Much like automobiles, this equipment must meet a reduced level of
tailpipe emissions, which becomes more stringent over the next several years.
IMPCO has been on the forefront of advanced, low-emission fuel technology for
over 42 years. IMPCO has taken technology to a new, higher level to develop
these systems, which are tied together through new electronic fuel and engine
management controls. These Spectrum systems offer the market a cost effective
means of meeting or exceeding CARB/EPA requirements."
The California enactment is the nation's first regulation to reduce
emissions from industrial equipment and plans a nearly 70% reduction from
phase-in through 2010. In 2004 the initiative becomes national with
regulation through the EPA. The 2001 roll out calls for 25% of industrial
products sold to meet the requirement, followed by 50%, 75% and then 100% each
year after. The regulation applies to industrial equipment using internal
combustion engines under 175 horsepower. An example, forklifts, portable
welders, wood chippers, airport equipment, sweepers, portable generators,
personnel lifts and some agricultural and construction equipment. Over
5,000 pieces of equipment entering California in 2001 will be affected. By
2004 when the regulation goes national, nearly 100,000 pieces of industrial
equipment annually will be required to have emission controls.
"California's Air Resources Board and the EPA should be congratulated for
their efforts in reducing air pollution and looking beyond the automobile as
the main culprit. IMPCO's focus since 1958 has been fuel systems for
clean-burning alternate fuels such as propane and natural gas. The
environmental benefits for California and the nation are tremendous," added
Mr. Hartman.
The Spectrum series of next generation fuel systems is available through
the company's Industrial Engine Systems division located in Sterling Heights
Michigan. Market introduction is planned for January 2001 and includes three
micro-processor based configurations: a solenoid assist carburetion system; a
central fuel injection system; and a port injection system. The company has
worked closely with global industrial OEMs to develop and release the new
series of fuel systems. For more information contact Dwight Whiting at
206-575-1594 or dwhiting@impcotechnologies.com
