Cummins in the news for three big reasons

In early February, Mike Fowler, Cummins on-highway director and general manager, stated that the company would not be exhibiting at the 2021 Queensland event, quoting potential border closure issues in relation to the Covid-19 virus pandemic.

The timing isn’t brilliant, considering that Cummins is currently addressing yet another cylinder-liner issue with its 15-litre engine. Trucksales.com.au understands that up to a quarter of 15-litre E5 engines have had in-service issues.

The Cummins 15-litre engine has a history of liner-related issues and there are at least six different liner kits for these engines.

Trucksales also understands that there’s a ‘fix’ for the liner-movement problem and that Australian-market engines are being progressively upgraded as problems surface. Cummins is famous for its after-sales service and support that has minimised down-time for fleets in the past.

Cummins dealers are achieving a three-day turnaround for the liner repair issue, according to fleet data.

On a brighter note, Cummins Inc and Isuzu Motors Limited have confirmed an agreement for a global mid-range diesel powertrain and advanced engineering collaboration, marking another step forward in the Isuzu Cummins Powertrain Partnership (ICPP) that was formed in 2019.

Related reading:
Cummins and Isuzu tighten agreement
Cummins announces Euro VI engine lineup

"We are pleased to take another step forward in the partnership, by powering Isuzu vehicles with Cummins engines in global markets," said Tom Linebarger, chairman and CEO, Cummins Inc.

"We will accelerate holistic collaboration in joint research for advanced engineering capabilities and further developments in advanced diesel technologies to deliver optimum trucks and powertrains to customers all over the world," said Masanori Katayama, president and representative director, Isuzu Motors Limited.

Under this agreement, Cummins will develop Isuzu mid-range B6.7 diesel engines for use in medium-sized trucks that comply with Japan's emission regulations. The engines for trucks built in Japan will be assembled at Isuzu's plant in Tochigi, Japan.

Isuzu chassis powered by Cummins B6.7 diesel engines will be introduced in North America later in 2021 and in Japan, Southeast Asia and other regions at a later date.

Isuzu and Cummins also entered into an Advanced Technology Agreement, to conduct joint research for various powertrain technologies using the companies' respective advanced engineering capabilities. Both companies are committed to further enhance efficiency and emissions capability of their advanced diesel products.

As part of the path to carbon neutrality, Isuzu and Cummins have expanded the partnership discussions to include new power sources, including electrical powertrain technologies.

Cummins and Isuzu say they will continue to innovate and advance the future power sources for commercial vehicles in terms of power, quality, reliability, emissions and fuel efficiency. Together, the companies believe there may be further opportunities to benefit from each other's unique strengths by harnessing each other's products and technology to drive global growth.