Navistar and Cummins have finalised the details of an agreement that will see the latter provide Navistar with heavy-duty diesel engines and emissions aftertreatment technologies. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed earlier this year.
Under the now finalised arrangement, Navistar will offer the Cummins ISX15 in its International ProStar+, PayStar and 9900 models. Navistar will also use the Cummins Emission Solutions aftertreatment system for its proprietary MaxxForce heavy-duty big bore engines.
“This agreement represents a natural extension of the long-standing relationship between Navistar and Cummins and our history of collaboration in serving our mutual customers,” said Troy Clarke, Navistar President and Chief Operating Officer. “With the addition of the Cummins ISX15 and the use of the proven Cummins aftertreatment system, we are on a clear path to providing customers with proven, reliable and fuel-efficient clean engine technology.”
Navistar will start initial pilot production of the International ProStar+ with the Cummins ISX15 in November 2012; the first customer shipments should follow in December 2012. The International ProStar+ with MaxxForce 13 and the Cummins Emission Solutions SCR-based aftertreatment system will enter initial pilot production in March 2013, followed by regular production by April 2013. The remaining line-up of heavy-duty truck models will transition to SCR-based technology in phases throughout 2013, based on volume and customer demand. During the transition period, Navistar will continue to build and ship EPA-compliant trucks in all vehicle classes using appropriate combinations of earned emissions credits and/or non-conformance penalties (NCPs).
In July this year, Navistar announced a shift away from its traditional EGR-based emissions strategy towards SCR as part of efforts to meet EPA 2010 emissions regulations, as well as future 2014 and 2017 requirements. Navistar has emphasised that the MaxxForce engine itself will not change, although the addition of the Cummins SCR system, including DEF tanks, will require rearranging some components under the bonnet and on the chassis. The aftertreatment system will be located under the passenger side step on most models, while the diesel tanks will be pushed backward on the chassis, something that will actually help a little with front axle loading.
