ALEXANDRIA, VA – While most attention has been focused on engine design to meet federal standards, it’s now the support process that’s being fast-tracked, reports Transport Topics. Truck manufacturers and dealers said they are carrying out the most extensive training program ever to prepare technicians to service and repair the new 2007 engine technology.

“We’re training our entire team of mechanics on a rotating basis so that we’ll have more fully trained technicians as 2007 engines arrive than any previous introduction,” Kevin Holland, manager of technical training for Freightliner LLC, told Transport Topics.

While some engine designs have been updated, most providers are emphasizing the new diesel particulate filters. “The engines for 2007 are basically the same as 2006, but the aftertreatment systems are completely different,” said Alan Hertzog, director of technical training for the North American Institute, which educates mechanics both for Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks North America.