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Engines and Components 2006 Press Releases and Information

John Deere Power Systems Sponsors Alternative-Fuel Education Day

John Deere 8.1L Natural Gas Engine WATERLOO, IA (October 5, 2006) — John Deere Power Systems is proud to be a sponsor of the third National Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Day Odyssey, which will take place Oct. 12 at numerous locations in the United States and Canada.

This event, coordinated by the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium, is dedicated to educating the nation about the importance of AFVs and advanced technology vehicles. Showcasing these technologies is especially important given the recent concerns about high gas and diesel prices, the country’s dependence on foreign oil and the critical state of the environment.

JDPS began exploring natural gas engine technology in 1995, and since then, the number of John Deere natural gas engines in the United States has continued to expand. They’ve been installed in school and transit buses, as well as refuse and utility trucks.

"John Deere believes strongly in educating the public about natural gas as a viable fuel alternative," says Tom Cummings, sales manager, on-highway natural gas engines at JDPS. "Natural gas is a plentiful resource that contributes to improved air quality and cuts down on noise pollution. In fact, the noise generated by running nine natural gas engines equals the noise generated by one diesel engine."

About 60 sites will host local Odyssey events, each featuring such activities as educational fairs or conferences; networking breakfasts/luncheons; information on AFV training opportunities; and AFV ride-and-drive demonstrations for policymakers, students, fleet managers and the general public. A special Odyssey 2006 kickoff celebration will take place at the Arlington County Courthouse Plaza in Arlington, Va., just outside of Washington, D.C.

National AFV Day Odyssey is responsible for educating millions about AFVs and advanced technology vehicles. The inaugural year in 2002 drew crowds from California to Connecticut with sites in 31 states. In 2004, 54 sites in 34 states/provinces throughout North America participated. In addition, Odyssey’s message reached more than 24 million individuals through media outlets. National AFV Day Odyssey 2006 promises to be even more successful, and John Deere is extremely pleased to be part of a program dedicated to a worthy cause that plays a key role in North America’s environmental well-being.

The John Deere 8.1L natural gas engine is available in compressed natural gas or liquid natural gas and offers a power range of 250 hp to 280 hp and features 735 ft-lb to 900 ft-lb of torque. The engine has been certified to Environmental Protection Agency emissions levels and California Air Resources Board optional low NOx standards of 1.2 g/bhp-hr for MHHD, HHDD and urban bus vehicles. John Deere has worked hard to make sure that their natural gas engines are not only environmentally friendly but also offer the same performance users of diesel engines are accustomed to, so the 8.1L natural gas engine delivers reliability, performance and cost-effectiveness. The fuel-management system delivers diesel-like fuel economy and drivability. The high-torque engines have plenty of power for pulling grades and carrying heavy loads, and they offer drivers great acceleration and handling, even under load and at higher altitudes. In addition, advanced electronics and excellent engine-management controls work with other technologies to enable John Deere natural gas engines to offer extended oil maintenance intervals.

For more information, please visit www.nationalafvdayodyssey.org and www.JohnDeere.com/jdpower.

About John Deere Power Systems
In addition to the on-highway natural gas engines, John Deere Power Systems (JDPS) manufactures 30 kW – 448 kW (40 hp – 600 hp) engines for use in a variety of non-road applications. JDPS also manufactures and markets marine engines and drivetrain components. JDPS can be contacted at 1-800-JD-ENGINE (1-800-533-6446), or via email at jdpower@JohnDeere.com. Information about the full line of JDPS engines and drivetrain components is available online at www.JohnDeere.com/jdpower.

About John Deere
John Deere (Deere & Company — NYSE:DE) is the world’s leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment; a leading supplier of equipment used in lawn, grounds, and turf care; a major manufacturer of construction equipment; and a major supplier of engines and drivetrain components for use in John Deere and other leading brands of equipment. John Deere also provides financial services and other related activities that support the core businesses. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has established a heritage of quality products and services that provide enduring performance to customers worldwide.



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