Tenneco gets fuel efficiency grant

LAKE FOREST, Ill., Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Illinois-based Tenneco Inc. announced a $24 million award from the Department of Energy to support emission controls for nine advanced vehicle programs.

Tenneco announced the funding from the Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program supports the development of technology to improve fuel efficiency and environmental objectives.

The ATVM program provides loans for the automotive sector to retrofit or establish manufacturing facilities in the United States. The Department of Energy notes developments under the program must provide meaningful improvements in fuel economy performance.

"We're honored to be the first automotive supplier chosen by the Department of Energy to take part in the ATVM incentive program," said Gregg Sherrill, Tenneco chairman and chief executive.

The $24 million award for Tenneco targets exhaust components to reduce the release of hydrocarbons, particulate matter and nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere.

Tenneco said their diesel oxidation catalyst reduces hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions by 90 percent. Diesel particulate filters reduce particulate emissions by as much as 95 percent.

The ATVM work for Tenneco takes place at its engineering and manufacturing facilities in Michigan, Nebraska and Indiana. The technology could appear in vehicles as early as model year 2010.