Navistar to run out of emissions credits after February 29

Several Navistar engines will not meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards after February 29, 2012, when its emissions credits are expected to run out, according to the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Navistar's use of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology does not meet EPA standards on nitrogen oxide reduction (NO_x), without the use of credits accrued in pre-2010 year models.

The company runs out of credits at the end of next month and may be fined unless it deploys additional technology in order to meet federal standards or stops selling vehicles. CARB has said it is prepared to rescind an executive order that has allowed Navistar to sell non-compliant engines in the state.

In response, Navistar says it plans to unveil a new engine "very soon", which will meet the NO_x emissions reduction standards. Spokeswoman Karen Denning told Land Line magazine that the company "remains confident in our EGR strategy".

A lawsuit by the company challenging the EPA's approval of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology was recently dismissed, as reported by discoverDEF.com earlier in the month .

Navistar is the only heavy-duty vehicle manufacturer not to use SCR technology to meet the EPA 2010 emissions standards. The issue affects Navistar big bore engines of 11, 13 and 15 liters.