Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) is pausing sales of internal combustion engines (ICE) in Oregon. The news was first reported Wednesday in the Willamette Week.
DTNA made the announcement last month in a message to its Oregon dealers, citing uncertainty around Oregon’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule, implemented by its Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on January 1. Oregon's rule is similar but not identical in scope to California’s much debated and also named Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which has caused challenges for OEMs and dealers alike but, to date, has not forced any manufacturers to totally halt ICE sales.
In a response to Trucks, Parts, Service Wednesday, DTNA cited concerns about Oregon's emissions credits system as a motivating factor for the pause.
[RELATED: California dealers struggle to withstand CARB sales regulations, offer warning to opt-in states]
"Commercial vehicles are vital to Oregon's economy, and DTNA values the ability to support our customers and the state's economy," the company stated. "The note we’ve received from the Oregon DEQ staff indicates that they are implementing key provisions of the Advanced Clean Trucks rule differently than California. Unfortunately, that difference leaves us unable to predict our credit balances in Oregon, and therefore risks our compliance in the state.
"We will work with the Oregon DEQ to try to resolve this issue — but until we have clarity on the matter, we are regretfully unable to process any orders for combustion-powered vehicles for the state."
DTNA's concern is not unique.
In a statement to TPS Wednesday, Mack Trucks stated while it has not halted sales in Oregon, "Compliance with the Advanced Clean Trucks regulation requires us to carefully monitor our sales, and we have no choice but to limit diesel sales to ensure we meet the regulation’s required percentage of electric vehicle sales.
"We are the market leader in heavy-duty battery electric refuse vehicles, offer a fully electric medium-duty truck, and have the first and most extensive electric vehicle dealer certification program in the industry. But at present, EV sales in Oregon remain at low levels that will restrict the sale of diesel vehicles."
TPS will have more on this story as it evolves.
