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March 25, 2002 11:13 AM, EST

While the federal government holds U.S. engine manufacturers to an Oct. 1 deadline for cleaner engines, five trucking companies and engine-maker Caterpillar Inc. have filed a wave of appeals seeking deadline extension because of concerns over escalating cost estimates and growing doubts about engine reliability.

On March 14, the Department of Justice rejected an appeal by Caterpillar, joined by Detroit Diesel Corp., for an extension of the deadline agreed to in a consent decree for producing engines that emit less nitrogen oxides. A DOJ attorney said other manufacturers will produce compliant engines on time.

“We are willing to talk to Caterpillar, but our position [against] the extension of the October 2002 deadline has not changed,” said federal attorney Thomas P. Carroll.

For the full story, see the March 25 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.

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