Gauging emissions

The emissions from the engines were within the set standards during the mandatory performance tests. But on the highway, the trucks spewed more pollutants. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other law enforcement agencies are investigating this issue. They suspect that the rate and emissions from the engines' exhaust were manipulated by manufacturers during the mandatory performance tests, as fuel consumption and emissions are computerised and can be tampered easily. Enforcement agencies are negotiating with the engine manufacturers about possible fines, which may run into millions of dollars. While the companies argue that they have done nothing wrong, they admit that engines may exceed pollution limits while plying on the road as truckers try to save on fuel consumption. J A Henderson, chief executive officer of the Cummins Engine Company, said: "We are cooperating fully, and we believe we have consistently designed engines that comply with the EPA regulations.' Manufacturers are bound to inform about any features that will lead to emissions above the standard but will not show up during the test.