UD in Japan to use Volvo engine

Reports from Japan indicate Nissan Diesel will be fitting a new low emission engine from Volvo in their medium duty trucks for the domestic market next year. The reports in the Nikkei newspaper and Bloomberg suggest the engine will be fitted in a four tonne truck.

Currently, UD use engines made by Hino as as they do not have an engine of their own to fit into this part of their truck range. The truck concerned is sold here in Australia as the MK model.

The engines are reported to be slated for introduction when the new Japanese exhaust emission rules are introduced in 2009. These latest emission rules will bring levels of nitrogen oxides and  particulate matter in the truck exhausts down to levels equivalent to Euro 6, not due for introduction here in Australia until some time after 2013.

The new engine is likely to use SCR technology to reduce emissions as both Volvo and UD are fitting the after treatment systems in their current product range both here and in Japan.

Nissan Diesel became a wholly-owned part of the Volvo group last year and this development will be the first in a process of integration of the Volvo global product throughout its truck manufacturing operation, which includes Volvo, Mack, Renault and UD.

It is too early to speculate when and if the UD fitted with the new Volvo engine would be introduced here in Australia. In terms of regulations, the new engine would not be required here for at least five years. However, Volvo will be expecting to accelerate the integration process in the next few years to reduce their reliance on rival truck manufacturers for their engines.