Cummins says it’s ready for ’10; announces layoffs

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Cummins says that its entire on-highway product range will be ready to meet the new EPA engine regulations for the North American market beginning in 2010.

Cummins says it will offer a range of engines from the 6.7-liter ISB to 15-liter ISX.

However, a recent report in the American Trucking Associations’ official magazine, Transport Topics,  indicates that the EPA is concerned that the copper zeolite Cummins plans to use in its selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system could cause carcinogenic dioxins. Advancement in copper zeolite technology is one of the reasons Cummins decided to use SCR for 2010 engines. The company stated in the report that it’s confident EPA’s independent testing will confirm copper zeolite is safe. 

Other engine manufacturers are using iron zeolite in their catalytic process.

Meanwhile, the engine maker also announced today that it will cut 800 jobs worldwide by the end of February and will freeze salaries for the year in response to deteriorating economic conditions.

For 2010, Cummins will introduce the ISX15, which it says will provide substantial fuel economy improvement, stronger performance, faster throttle response and overall best-in-class drivability and reliability compared to today’s ISX engine. The ISX15 will feature the new Cummins XPI fuel system, next generation cooled EGR system, advanced VGT turbocharger and a new Cummins Aftertreatment System that incorporates Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalyst technology.

Also, the ISX11.9 will provide a compact and lightweight medium-bore engine ideal for vocational trucks, emergency vehicles and motorcoach applications. Building on Cummins Engine and Components Business expertise, the ISX11.9 will have common subsystems with the ISX15, including the XPI fuel system, VGT turbocharger, Cummins Aftertreatment System and advanced electronic controls.

Cummins will also offer its ISB6.7, ISC8.3 and ISL9 engines for 2010 for medium-duty trucks and bus applications. The 2010 engines will all use Cummins VGT turbocharger, Cummins Aftertreatment System, a common ECM and advanced electronic controls. The ISC8.3 and ISL9 also feature Cummins XPI fuel system.