Hyundai Motors develops new eco-friendly forklift engine

SEOUL, Aug. 9 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Co. said Sunday it has developed a new
eco-friendly forklift engine that meets overseas emission standards.
Developers said the new Theta is the first locally made engine to meet the tough
"Tier-four" emission standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
and the California Air Resources Board.
In addition to being environmentally sound, 90 percent of the parts are the same
ones used in Hyundai's bestselling Sonata sedan, which can help improve
maintenance costs and offer easier access to parts, Hyundai said.
The engine was developed over 18 months in cooperation with Hyundai Heavy
Industries Co., which will use it in its 2-3 ton forklift, the carmaker said.
The 2.4-liter engine comes in two models, with one running solely on liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) and the other able to run on gasoline as well as LPG, it
added.
Hyundai said that in addition to domestic use, it plans to export the engine to
North American and European markets late this year.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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