While doing research on a Hyster FT which is giving me trouble it occurred to me that this issue won't be much of an issue in the near future. The current 2.4 liter GM Vortec engines in the Hyster FT series is the same engine which is powering the Holden Rodeo. It's a C24SE gm engine which has been around since the 80's.

I wondered why a "new" GM industrial engine would be from the automotive world. In investigating that question I found out that the emission laws seem to be the answer. Once an engine passes an emission standard, then that engine package can be installed in anything. It seems that automotive emission standards are accepted by any/all off road certifications. With the cost of getting an engine package thru the emissions process it would make sense to use automotive engines in forklifts in an attempt to keep pricing low.

We'll have to see if the replacement for the 2.4 Vortec comes from an automotive background.