Corning anticipates that there will be a surge in interest in its diesel emissions control products during 2006, as demand for diesel engines grows.

The company has stated that, with oil prices remaining unstable, it expects to see an increase in the number of consumers buying diesel-powered vehicles in the months to come.

Thomas R. Hinman, vice president and general manager at Corning Diesel Technologies, told shareholders at a meeting that the coming 12 months will be an important one for the firm's diesel operations, as he expects to see increases in both its heavy-duty and light-duty businesses.

He also explained that increasingly tough emissions regulations in the US and other countries will have an impact on the demand for diesel emissions control technologies.

"By 2007, emissions from buses and trucks sold in the US must be up to 90 per cent cleaner than 2002 models," stated Mr Hinman.

He added: "On a more global front, regulations impacting both diesel passenger cars and heavy-duty vehicles continue to be enacted, representing a greater than 90 per cent reduction in allowable emissions by 2010."

A recent report from the Freedonia Group revealed that diesel powered vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in the US and will have closed the gap on gasoline by 2014.


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