Diesel engines play an important role in the US economy, and even with increasingly strict emission standards, America will continue to rely on diesel engines to transport its freight. It is no exaggeration to say that failure to implement clean diesel technology could have a major impact on the US economy.
As stated at the beginning of this report, the majority of diesel vehicles in the US are the heavy-duty trucks entrusted with moving more than half the country's freight. The EPA is holding fast to NOx absorber catalyst, and instituting policies to promote the reduction of sulfur content in diesel fuels.
The DOE, in contrast, has an interest in SCR, and has shown enthusiasm over the potential of fuel-cell vehicles, although it will inevitably require much time for such technology to develop to the point where it can be applied to commercial vehicles.
Given this background, in March of 2000, the Diesel Technology Forum was formed by GM, diesel engine manufacturers, and oil producers in order to undertake information campaigns intended to keep both the EPA and general public abreast of developments in clean diesel technology and enhance the status of the diesel in the US.
On September 27, 2002, a global meeting was held in Paris in which representatives from the automotive industries of the US, Europe, and Japan gathered in order to present their collective view of receptivity of clean diesel technology. For a variety of reasons, there is presently a great regional variance in the market share of diesel-powered passenger vehicles, but the aim of the Forum is to coordinate with other industry organizations the promotion of public understanding regarding the introduction of clean diesel technology and high-quality diesel fuel. Through these activities, the Forum hopes to reform the image of diesel engines held by general public as well as to inform them of the advantages of the diesel engine.

Photo : The GMC Sierra and the Duramax 6600 V8 Diesel designed by Isuzu

The Duramax 6600 V8 was designed by Isuzu and placed on the market in 2001, and has since contributed greatly to reforming the image of the diesel engine, providing the cleaner emissions, good fuel economy, and torque that produces excellent towing capacity. GM full-size pickups equipped with Duramax 6600 are enjoying good sales.
Although emission standards are becoming increasingly stringent, Isuzu's responsibility inside the GM group is to take the initiative in the promotion of a new image for diesel engines in the US while continuing to supply clean diesel engines for the American market.