Cummins to supply light-duty diesels to unnamed automaker
Automotive News / July 26, 2006 - 10:59 am
Cummins Inc., best known for powerful, long-lasting diesel engines used in semi-trucks, has signed a deal with an undisclosed automaker to provide diesel engines for light trucks.
The engines are expected to be launched in 2010. Cummins would not name the automaker or say how big the engine will be or how many cylinders it will have.
Cummins, of Columbus, Ind., now makes a 5.9-liter version of its inline six-cylinder for DaimlerChrysler's Dodge Ram heavy-duty pickup. The engine coming in 2010 is a new design.
Two likely customers for the new engine are Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co., neither of which have a diesel engine for their light trucks.
No decision has been made on where to build the new engine.
"Cummins is looking for a community that has a cost-competitive, suitable facility and the right resources available," said Jim Kelly, president of Cummins' engine business.
Cummins expects the new diesels to deliver a 30 percent fuel economy gain over the gasoline engines they replace.