The SCRT^TM system builds on Johnson Matthey's world leading Continuously Regenerating Trap (CRT^TM) technology, which is already extensively used in Europe and is undergoing large scale trials in the US and other parts of the world. This is combined with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), another technology pioneered by Johnson Matthey for diesel emission control using the company's own specially formulated catalysts.

By using this combination of technologies, the SCRT^TM simultaneously cuts all four regulated pollutants contained in the exhaust of heavy trucks and buses. It virtually eliminates carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions, while reducing emissions of particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by between 75 and 90%. The optimised SCRT^TM is the first four-way emission control system capable of meeting the world's most stringent emissions legislation.

The new system will be launched commercially over the next few years, in line with the introduction of strict emissions standards for heavy duty diesel vehicles in Europe and the United States. When fully developed and in mass production, the SCRT^TM system will fit in the space occupied by a conventional silencer and will meet industry cost targets for what will be an OEM system.

Commenting on this announcement, Neil Carson, Executive Director, said:

"SCRT represents an exciting breakthrough in heavy duty diesel emission control, enabling trucks and buses to meet the stringent standards that will come into force over the next few years. It further reinforces Johnson Matthey's position as world leader in vehicle emission control technology."

Speaking about the SCRT^TM system at the SAE conference, Dr Barry Cooper, Vice President, Technology said: