Manufacturer Programs to Prep Techs for '07 Engines Web source: http://www.ttnews.com/lmt/Feb06/prep.asp By Artelia C. Covington Several diesel engine and truck manufacturers said they would prepare their technicians and distributors to work on 2007-model engines, offering new certification programs with online and hands-on training. Detroit Diesel Corp. and Cummins Inc. said they had programs aimed specifically at their 2007 engines, while International Truck and Engine Corp., Volvo Trucks North America and Mack Trucks spokesmen said they would provide training updates for technicians. Environmental Protection Agency regulations slash allowed levels of nitrogen oxide and soot emissions for new engines starting in January 2007. Manufacturers have said they would fine-tune their emission-control systems and add particulate filters for the first time to truck exhaust systems to meet EPA requirements. Detroit Diesel said it is launching a program called Guild 2.0, or G2, to help its technicians diagnose and repair problems with the engine and filters, while Cummins said its 2007 certification program was designed to do the same. "We understand that those who work on Detroit Diesel engines need better tools and training, as each generation of engines becomes increasingly complex," said Carsten Reinhardt, chairman and chief executive officer of DDC. "With G2, we've strengthened technician training, certification and recognition in an effort to help improve customer satisfaction, sales and profits." DDC said its program will focus on four key areas: training, certification, continuous improvement and recognition. The company said it has had a training program in place for its technicians and distributors for some time and that G2 builds on that program. It "will naturally make sure technicians are up to speed on the new technology coming to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 emissions [rules] to minimize downtime for customers," said Kim Berg, G2 program manager, technical support development for the engine maker. Detroit Diesel is part of DaimlerChrysler AG's Freightliner LLC division, the largest truck maker in North America. Roy Wiley, spokesman for International Truck and Engine Corp. said the company plans to start its training for the medium-duty engines it produces this year, but would wait to hear from Cummins and Caterpillar Inc. on the heavy-duty engine training. Caterpillar did not return calls for this story by press time. Louis Wenzler, on-highway market communications director for Cummins, said the company decided to implement a program after conducting a survey of its dealers and distributors. "We felt that after getting the results from that survey that we needed to be more proactive with them and make sure that they were prepared," Wenzler told Light & Medium Truck. "We found many instances where our dealers just weren't properly trained." Cummins said its program offers a virtual college for dealers and distributors through a CD-ROM and hands-on training. "We want our dealers and distributors to be capable," Wenzler said. "Our customers expect that when they take one of our engines in to be serviced, [they will] be assured that the technician knows how to service it." Mack spokesman John Walsh said the company has been providing information to its technicians and distributors about 2007 engines and prepares for every new product it launches. "We have a team of four powertrain experts who spend the majority of their time in the field, educating dealers and customers," he said. Walsh said Mack's North American Institute, which handles its dealer and customer training, is offering clinics that include information about its 2007 products. "In-depth training for dealers and fleet technicians to be offered by our North American Institute, involving both hands-on classes and distance learning, is currently scheduled to begin in mid-2006," he said.
Hmmmmm.. More stringent NoX and particulate standards. That means that these new motors will be choked! I expect to see big power gains by doing exhaust and tuner/chip!!
