Cummins says new engines surpass expectations and addresses vertical integration challenges in the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Company officials said Cummins' new engines exceeded fuel economy promises, and Steve Charlton, vice-president and chief technical officer of the engine business, said further tinkering with engine calibrations in early 2011 has improved fuel and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) consumption rates beyond the 6% Cummins initially promised and delivered upon.

While the meat of its news conference here days ago was devoted to the progress of its new EPA2010-compliant engines on their way to full production, Cummins Inc. also publicly passed the baton of leadership of its Engine Business from outgoing chief Jim Kelly to incoming president Rich Freeland. The 2010 engines (other than the ISX11.9) entered full production in January. To date, the engine maker stated it has produced 2,500 EPA-certified 2010 engines at its plants in Jamestown, NY, and Rocky Mount, NC.

Kelly said “By 2012, we will meet or exceed our record revenues of 2008.” Kelly noted that this confidence is due in part to outstanding results in the company’s China, India and Brazil markets, which he said are now “surpassing pre-recession levels.”

Aslo in the Mid-America Trucking show Kenworth Truck Co. showing two new application-specific truck models - a “regional hauler configuration” of the Class 8 T660 tractor and first 6x6 configuration for the T370 medium-duty model.

“This new Kenworth T660 option is especially useful for regional haulers interested in operating aerodynamic trucks to help increase fuel efficiency and reduce fuel costs,” said Preston Feight, the chief engineer. “The regional hauler configuration offers the same styling and lighting advantages – and similar aerodynamic advantages – as the standard T660 with the maneuverability and fuel capacity of the Kenworth T800.”

Feight said the T370 6x6 boasts a factory-installed front drive axle available in ratings ranging from 10,000 lbs. to 16,000 lbs. The 6x6 will be equipped with a 40,000 lb.-rated rear suspension. Initially, the Chalmers series 854-40 suspension will be offered, followed by the addition of the Hendrickson Primaax EX rear air suspension later this year. T370 6x6 customers can choose either the Paccar PX-6 or PACCAR PX-8 engine. He noted that the T370 6x6 “builds upon the 4x4 configuration introduced for the T270 and T370” in 2010.