DaimlerChrysler has committed itself to developing selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to meet US government targets on diesel engine omissions.

According to Fleet Owner, Andreas Renschler, head of Daimler's commercial vehicle division, believes SCR is the only practical way for the company to comply with the 2010 emissions requirements, despite the fact that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is opposed to the technology.

Speaking at an advanced technology demonstration in Germany, Mr Renschler argued that SCR is "the worldwide solution" to the problem of diesel emissions and stated it would be the "technology of choice" for all of Daimler's US engines.

His comments will provide a source of irritation for the EPA, which is opposed to the use of SCR because it injects urea into the exhaust stream and so requires a second fuel tank to carry the urea.

The EPA argues that the problem with this is that the second fuel tank could be allowed to run dry without affecting performance, but increasing emissions dramatically. A lack of any distribution infrastructure is also cited as a problem, as this increases the likelihood of tanks being left to run dry.


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