CNH SUPPORTS NEW EPA EMISSIONS REGULATIONS
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Lake Forest, Illinois (June 15, 2004) CNH Global N.V. (NYSE:CNH) said today that the company is committed to meet stringent new Environmental Protection Agency regulations for Tier 4 nonroad engine emissions.
"CNH installs more diesel engines than anyone in our industry. Both Case and New Holland have been pioneers in meeting global emissions regulations, offering innovative, clean, and powerful diesel engines. Continual improvement is our constant goal", said Luciano Paiola, Executive Vice President, Agricultural Product Development and Industrial Governance, "We support these new regulations as beneficial for the environment and for our customers, while allowing us to leverage our extensive expertise in the engine business across Europe, Asia and the Americas."
The new Tier 4 rule is a critical step towards a further reduction in nonroad emissions. New stringent standards will lower emissions by over 90% from the current level, significantly decreasing both nitrogen oxides as well as particulate matter. A planned phase-in period will ensure that current products are brought up to Tier 4 level, and all manufacturing systems are transitioned to achieve full compliance.
Critical to the success of the implementation of Tier 4 is the total system approach. This effort will include an intense focus on three key elements: sophisticated engine controls in terms of emissions, comprehensive use of exhaust after-treatment technology, and the introduction of ultra-low-sulfur fuel for nonroad use.
CNH is well positioned to recognize the importance of harmonizing emissions regulations on a worldwide basis. Harmonization of US EPA regulations with those of the European Union, as well as Japan, should result in reduced compliance costs due to consistent Tier 4 standards. CNH believes this will allow the company to provide common products on a worldwide basis that are both cost effective and environmentally sound.
In complying with Tier 4 standards, the nonroad industry faces significantly greater challenges than the on-highway industry. Nonroad applications are often more complex than on-highway and typically operate under far more adverse conditions. Moreover, most nonroad applications are designed for specific tasks, and are typically produced in relatively low volumes. CNH currently markets over 300 different engine models across its agricultural and construction equipment businesses. For many of these applications, the annual production is less than 200 units. This combination of low production volumes and a higher number of models may impact the feasibility and costs of implementation of the Tier 4 standards across the total product mix.
Because the after-treatment technology to meet these nonroad regulations is not fully developed, CNH fully supports the objectives laid out for the mid-term 2007 technical review. CNH believes this review will be a critical milestone in determining the feasibility of implementation together with the likely cost implications.
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CNH is the power behind leading agricultural and construction equipment brands of the Case and New Holland brand families. Supported by 12,000 dealers in approximately 160 countries, CNH brings together the knowledge and heritage of its brands with the strength and resources of its worldwide commercial, industrial, product support and finance organizations. More information about CNH and its products can be found on line at www.cnh.com.