Emissions Regs Boost Bus Prices

Federally mandated emissions controls will add $6,000 to the price of a 2010-model-year diesel bus, vehicle manufacturer Navistar says.

Navistar will use a combination of advanced fuel injection, air management, electronic controls and proprietary combustion technology to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 emissions requirements for on-highway diesel engines.

The company’s IC Bus subsidiary builds commercial buses and school buses.

“IC Bus understands that many bus customers have fixed budgets and we recognize that a price increase will have an impact on them,” said John McKinney, president of IC Bus.

“We have worked diligently to minimize the design and development costs so that 2010 engine prices are as manageable as possible for our customers.”

Truck makers, including Navistar, face the same requirements for commercial trucks. Shippers and motor carriers are concerned about the impact of higher prices on carrier profitability and transport costs.

(Source: Journal of Commerce)