Cummins and Isuzu launch new diesel engine for global markets

Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, U.S.A., and Isuzu Motors Limited, a leading global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, have unveiled a new 6.7-liter engine, the “Isuzu DB6A,” specifically designed for Isuzu’s new medium-duty truck lineup. This engine, a product of the strategic collaboration between the two companies, marks Cummins’ entry into the Japanese on-highway market for the first time in its 105-year history. The engine will initially power on-highway truck applications in Japan and will soon be available in the Asia-Pacific region and other global markets.

The engine will be assembled at Isuzu’s engine plant in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. This development is a significant milestone for both companies, stemming from the Isuzu Cummins Powertrain Partnership established in May 2019. This partnership aims to facilitate the efficient development of next-generation powertrains. The DB6A engine is the first to be integrated into Isuzu’s FORWARD medium-duty truck, reflecting the successful collaboration.

In 2022, Isuzu North America Corporation Commercial integrated the Cummins B6.7™ engine into its FTR and FVR trucks for customers in the United States and Canada. This new partnership further solidifies the relationship between Cummins and Isuzu, highlighting their joint efforts to innovate and expand their impact in the commercial vehicle market.

Jennifer Rumsey, chair and CEO of Cummins, expressed her enthusiasm for this milestone: “Today marks an important milestone for both Cummins and Isuzu as Cummins enters the Japanese on-highway market for the first time in our 105-year history. I’m proud of the strong partnership our two companies have built and I’m excited to leverage our collective strength and scale to expand our impact and continue meeting the evolving needs of our customers.”

Masanori Katayama, chairman and representative director of Isuzu Motors Limited, emphasised the importance of the partnership in achieving carbon neutrality: “We need to invest in both internal combustion engines and electrification to achieve carbon neutrality. I am convinced that Cummins is the best partner in such a challenging time. Isuzu and Cummins leadership has established strong mutual trust and respect for each other since the first day of our partnership. I am confident that our strategic partnership will continue and expand over future generations of respective leadership.”