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Off-course?
At last, the construction equipment vehicles have also come
into the purview of emission norms, a welcome development
that will bring enormous challenges to the various stakeholders
involved, and unravel huge potential as well. The emission
and noise regulations for CEVs are already in place - effective
from October 2007 onwards. The year 2011 will be the deadline
for engine manufacturers for the next, more stringent set
of emission regulations based on EU Stage IIIA and USEPA –
Tier-2.
EQUIPMENT INDIA is proud to pioneer the focus on this issue
as generally the entire media always revels on the automotive
industry, and does not once look over its shoulder at the
impact of off-road applications. Though latest information
was hard to come by, we thought we should also highlight a
disturbing but deliberate move from some quarters to allow
the sulphur content of minimum 500 ppm for non-road applications.
When globally, tireless efforts are being made to reduce the
sulphur level to a maximum limit of 15 ppm, including ‘off-road’,
rather off-highway applications, this move is indeed counter-productive.
At the same time, it is heartening to note that the engine
manufacturing industry is gearing up to meet the technology
challenges. EQUIPMENT INDIA also appreciates the commendable
job done by the Indian Diesel Engine Manufacturers Association
by working with regulatory bodies and equipment manufactures
in suggesting emission regulations and harmonising the same
with international standards; skipping one norm level to go
closer with world norms, simplifying emission certification
process; and also giving enough time to manufacturers to upgrade
their technology and products.
One thing what we would like to point out is that there is
a dire need for creating awareness among the component manufacturing
industry, EPC contractors, fleet managers, individual buyers
of equipment on the implications of these norms as our interaction
revealed that the majority are not aware of these developments.
Maybe, the IDEMA can play a major role here too.
Change always brings new challenges along with immense potential
for growth. In such a competitive world, it is better to be
responsive, which is the hallmark of the ‘intelligent
species’ as Charles Darwin suggests, there is no option,
but to deliver. And nowhere to go – but up!
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