Ain't such a simple split
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YOUR NEWS STORY "Cats will clean up says M-B" (CM 27 November) gives the impression that there will be a clear split between a pro-SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) group of manufacturers and a pro-EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) camp. However, it won't be quite like that.
Mercedes. Daf and Iveco arc going for EGR across the board. right down to 7.5 tonnes or lower. In contrast. MAN, along with Volvo and Scania. plans to offer a choice: SCR will be the preferred high-mileage fitment. while EGR will be promoted for urban,lowermileage distribution trucks.
For the first few years not many of those operators will have ready access to supplies of SCR's AdBlue urea reductant. Nor is fuel consumption the be all and end all for them, which means EGR's lower up-front price and absence of urea cost will outweigh 5% or even 8% fuel savings.
That's why the manufacturers offering the 'EGR option* are hoping to win middleweight distribution orders from Merc,Daf and Iveco, not least through competitive Euro-4 vehicle pricing.
Incidentally, MAN's engineering director Dr Georg PachtaReyhofen made it clear at the RAI show in Amsterdam that the EGR on its current (Euro-3) engines will be dropped where SCR is specified at Euro-4.There is no need for 'belt and braces', he said. Alan Bunting
Harpenden, Herts