Daimler subsidiary Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as fully compliant with the new “Greenhouse Gas 2014” (GHG14) regulation for its complete product portfolio of model year 2013 long-distance haulage, medium-duty, construction and municipal vehicles.

DTNA achieved compliance ahead of the mandate for certification by the EPA and the Department of Transportation’s Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) program to reduce heavy- and medium-duty truck greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The regulations begin with model year 2014 and increase in stringency through model year 2018.

The joint DOT/EPA program includes a range of targets which are specific to the diverse vehicle types and purposes. Vehicles are divided into three major categories:

• combination tractors (semi-trucks);
• heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans; and
• vocational vehicles such as transit buses and refuse trucks.

The program provides incentives for early introduction of GHG-reducing technologies and advanced technologies including EVs and hybrids, and provides manufacturer flexibilities including averaging, bBanking and trading, among other provisions.

EPA sets separate standards for CO₂, N₂O, CH₄ and HFCs. NHTSA sets complementary fuel consumption standards. The joint standards cover not only engines but also complete vehicles, allowing the agencies to achieve the greatest possible reductions in fuel consumption and GHG emissions, while avoiding unintended consequences.

Under the new GHG14 regulations, trucks and buses built in 2014 through 2018 are projected to reduce oil consumption by 530 million barrels and greenhouse gas emissions by 270 million metric tons.

Early compliance with GHG14 regulations underlines our strategic direction. We want to set the standard in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.   —Martin Daum, president and CEO, DTNA

The regulation increases fuel savings, reduces GHG emissions and provides regulatory certainty for manufacturers. GHG 14 does not replace the EPA 10 emission standard (valid since January 2010 and comparable to the Euro 6 standard) that is currently in effect in the NAFTA region because EPA 10 addresses and regulates the traditional exhaust pollutant issues (particles, nitrogen oxide).

The agencies developed these rules in collaboration based on relevant laws applicable to their respective jurisdictions: EPA determined the limits for greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act, and NHTSA included the fuel efficiency standard as a part of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA).

DTNA says that among its line-up, the heavy-duty flagship truck Freightliner Cascadia stands out by offering maximum fuel efficiency and excellent aerodynamics. The Cascadia is also the industry leader in total cost of ownership. It features Daimler BlueTec emissions technologies and Detroit brand DD-engines.

Daimler Trucks North America LLC, is headquartered in Portland, OR and produces and markets Class 4-8 vehicles under the Freightliner, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Daimler Trucks North America is a Daimler company.

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