The key to streamlining operations for transportation companies and addressing upcoming regulatory changes regarding pollutant emissions lies in seeking advice on motor equipment, new engines, alternative fuels, and sustainability goals,” shared Jorge Machuca in an interview with T21. He is the Commercial Director for the Engine Division in Hispanoamerica and for the Parts Business in Latin America at Cummins.
“Even though the most modern technology in alternative energy engines is available in Mexico, Machuca emphasizes the importance of selecting what the transporter needs for their operation. ‘Not all technologies are suitable for all businesses; each has specific needs, so the recommendation is to conduct a specific diagnosis of each fleet,’ he noted.
“In recent years, Mexico has diversified its vehicle offerings with Euro 6 and EPA 10 engines, as well as hybrid, electric, battery-powered, and natural gas options. However, conditions for their widespread use have not materialized.
“For instance, ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) is not universally available across Mexico. According to the latest survey jointly published by Mexican automotive industry associations, chambers, and confederations, in 2021 the fuel was available at 72.6% of the country’s gas stations.
“Recently, the Mexican Association of Automotive Distributors (AMDA) communicated, through its executive president Guillermo Rosales, that ‘conditions do not exist to restrict the commercialization of vehicles using Euro V and EPA 2007 technologies in Mexico, as the availability of ULSD is not guaranteed nationwide.’
“Rosales explained that AMDA, in strict compliance with legal provisions, will advocate for an update to NOM 044-SEMARNAT-2017 with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), allowing the continuation of Euro 5 and EPA 2007 technologies until sufficient nationwide fuel availability is ensured, providing certainty to transporters and heavy equipment purchasers in maintaining their equipment’s maximum efficiency and integrity.
“Machuca suggests one alternative for achieving complete availability of ULSD in Mexico could be for fuel importers to supply the remaining percentage of clean fuel.
“‘Closing the gap is perfectly feasible, but it would require a change in how fuel supply to Mexico is managed and significant decisions in favor of the environment and public health,’ the executive considered.
“As part of the heavy vehicle manufacturing industry in Mexico, Cummins has established communication channels with relevant authorities and associations to find joint solutions for reducing pollutant emissions from cargo vehicles. ‘Political will is what is needed, but I am confident that by 2025 this will be resolved, and we will be ready,’ Machuca indicated.
“The Cummins spokesperson detailed that, in response to changes in emissions regulations for engines, since last year the original equipment manufacturer has been certifying distributors to service Euro 6 and EPA 10 engines. ‘We already have a large proportion of the territory covered, and by the end of the year, we hope to have close to 100% coverage,’ he added.
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