IMPCO Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMCO) announced today that it is continuing to participate in a lead program with Scania Great Britain Limited to develop a new, ultra-low emissions fuel and engine management system for large trucks that improve performance, power and mileage while reducing typical diesel emissions by employing lean-burn natural gas technology.

Scania (Great Britain) Limited in conjunction with IMPCO Technologies, Mobil CNG and BG Group developed the program, which revolves around current Scania 3-Series vehicles that are reengineered for gas operation, and then recycled into the market place. The system can be ordered with either CNG or LNG, operates with much less emissions levels, is quieter and obtains a operating range of 400 miles. Mobil CNG and BG Group of the UK install the refueling stations on the vehicle operator’s property to ensure a steady supply of fuel at all times.

Central to each gas-truck is the IMPCO Eclipse fuel and engine management system. The 32-bit Eclipse processor was specially designed to control the air/fuel ratio and ignition system. The Eclipse incorporates a ‘knock’ sensor and timing control function, which ensures optimal engine performance and durability. Misfire and two levels of redundant self-diagnostics are also included in the Eclipse software. The Eclipse is also capable of closed-loop learning that enables the processor to automatically compensate for fuel composition shifts in quality while maintaining ultra-low emission levels.

Dr. Lorne Gettel, Director of IMPCO’s Heavy Duty Fuel Systems division, located in Seattle, Washington said, “Everyone at IMPCO is very pleased to have attained such tremendous results with the Eclipse system, and to have surpassed the proposed EURO V emission regulations nearly seven years ahead of schedule. Scania and the group members are pushing the envelope on what is possible to do today to clean the air. They are a dedicated team of individuals and easy to collaborate with. This program demonstrates that alternative fuels are commercially viable.”

Because gas-powered trucks are extremely clean and quiet, their use should also help operators overcome many restrictions and curfews imposed against night-time operation in neighborhoods, city streets, distribution centers and delivery areas. Issues relating to pollution and noise have prompted legal and regulatory actions in some US states such as California.

“The Eclipse system used in these Scania vehicles is designed to be modular for ease of maintenance and includes a ‘limp-home’ mode should there be a component malfunction. Almost any diesel engine can be retrofitted with the Eclipse system, or as an option on new truck vehicles here in the United States as well as Europe.” Lorne added.

IMPCO Technologies, Inc.

IMPCO Technologies, Inc.

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