KALAMAZOO, Mich. … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced today that Cummins, Inc. has chose Eaton to participate in its SuperTruck program to develop a next generation automated transmission that improves fuel efficiency in heavy-duty trucks.
Cummins recently received $39 million in funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop its SuperTruck project in conjunction with Peterbilt Motors Company.
The goal of the SuperTruck program initiated by the DOE is to improve long-haul Class 8 vehicle freight efficiency. The program focuses on advanced and highly efficient engine systems and vehicle technologies that meet prevailing emissions and Class 8 tractor-trailer vehicle safety and regulatory requirements.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to push forward with developing and testing our next automated transmission and proving that we have the ability to help Class 8 trucks achieve very high levels of fuel efficiency,” said Joe Palchak, president – Eaton’s Vehicle Group.
The SuperTruck project will develop and demonstrate a highly efficient and clean diesel engine, an advanced waste heat recovery system, a fuel cell auxiliary power unit to reduce engine idling on an aerodynamic Peterbilt tractor and trailer combination. The SuperTruck will result in a fuel-efficient, low emissions diesel engine with an Eaton automated transmission that achieves a significant fuel economy improvement over current diesel technology.
“We appreciate the funding provided by the DOE for the Cummins SuperTruck which will create jobs, help address climate change and reduce oil consumption.” said Cummins President and Chief Operating Officer Tom Linebarger. “This public-private partnership is a win for our economy, a win for the environment and a win for energy challenges. We are looking forward to working closely with Peterbilt and all of the leading suppliers on this important technology project."
“We believe our track record of purposeful innovation, leading quality and fuel efficient engineering provides Peterbilt and Cummins the best opportunity to make the SuperTruck project a commercially viable reality,” said Bill Jackson, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President. “We are proud to partner with companies such as Eaton that are dedicated to advancing technologies to meet future energy needs.”
Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (USA), Cummins serves customers in approximately 190 countries and territories through a network of more than 500 company-owned and independent distributor locations and approximately 5,200 dealer locations. Cummins reported net income of $755 million on sales of $14.3 billion in 2008. Press releases can be found on the Web at cummins.com or everytime.cummins.com.
Based in Denton, Texas, Peterbilt Motors Company combines a global reputation for industry leading design, innovative engineering and fuel efficiency solutions, with superior quality to engineer a truck that stands as the “Class” of the industry. Through its 250-plus North American dealer locations, Peterbilt also provides a comprehensive array of TruckCare® programs to support its full lineup of vehicles, including hybrids, with aftermarket support programs. Customers enjoy industry leading service and support, including preventive maintenance plans, expedited QuickCare services, automated parts inventory replenishment and 24/7 complimentary Customer Assistance through 1-800-4-Peterbilt. For more information about Peterbilt, visit www.peterbilt.com.
Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2008 sales of $15.4 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel savings and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.
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