The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it has formed a partnership with BorgWarner to develop cleaner, more fuel efficient engines and vehicles.

The EPA said it and BorgWarner will examine the commercial viability of newly advanced turbochargers, air management and electronic sensors for use with clean diesel and high efficiency gasoline engines. Commercialization of such technologies is expected to result in fewer emissions and reduced fuel consumption.

"By advancing the technologies that are good for the environment, good for our economy, and good for our energy security, together with BorgWarner, EPA is meeting the president's call to get our nation off the treadmill of foreign oil dependency," said EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson.

He said diesel engines, for the past century, have been "America's economic workhorse -- reliable, fuel efficient, and long lasting." Now, said Johnson, diesel engines are becoming an environmental workhorse."

Through the new partnership, BorgWarner will build and evaluate turbochargers to help maintain fuel economy in diesel combustion systems. The company also will develop air management and combustion sensor technologies.

BorgWarner, based in Auburn Hills, Mich., specializes in advanced turbocharger technology for U.S., European and Asian customers.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International