Engine builder Cummins Inc. has an agreement to supply its new 5.0-liter V8 turbo diesel engine to Nissan Motor Co., as an option for a new version of the Nissan Titan pickup truck. It’s not known when the new pickup will debut, nor the details of the supply program, but Cummins reported it is remodeling its Columbus, Ind., Engine Plant to produce the new engine.
"This is an exciting announcement for our Cummins team," stated chairman and CEO Tom Linebarger. "We are bringing our innovation and latest technology in engines and after treatment products to a new segment of customers. Importantly, this will help us grow our own business as well as allow us to help an important new partner, Nissan, succeed in the market."
The new engine is still in development but Nissan has said will deliver more than 300 horsepower and about 550 lb/ft of torque.However, Nissan is said to be conducting highway testing of the new Cummins engine already.
Cummins offered that its 5.0-liter V8 turbo diesel has been optimized for redesigned Titan pickup, adding that it’s also developing a version of the engine for commercial vehicle customers.
Nissan hopes that redesigning the Titan, and introducing options for engines and body styles, will improve its sales in the truck market.
Cummins designs and manufactures diesel and natural-gas engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems.
Cummins already supplies diesel engines for some Chrysler pickups, but the move by Nissan to add diesel engine options is in line with decisions by other automakers to adopt diesel engine options for pickups, SUVs, and crossover vehicles, in order to achieve engine performance and fuel economy.
"The partnership with Nissan on the V8 program benefits not only Cummins employees, but also our community," stated Jeff Caldwell, general manager of Cummins' pickup truck business.
Adding V8 engine production will mean positions for 300 new workers at the Columbus Engine Plant, initially, and as many as 800 workers when the new supply program is at its peak.
