Hot on the heels of Isuzu announcing it has linked with Cummins, Hino Trucks in the USA used the virtual 2021 NTEA Work Truck Show to announce it has also decided to use Cummins engines for its medium- and heavy-duty trucks in North America, with the Cummins B6.7 and L9 engines set to power Hino’s L and XL Series models by the end of 2021.
While Isuzu’s tie up could be considered a long term strategic alignment, Hino’s plan in North America is more of a urgent necessity given its situation with emissions in the USA.
We understand the Hino decision only affects North American produced trucks and will not see Cummins powerplants in Hinos in Australia.
Hino shocked the industry late last year by announcing it would halt production of trucks in America because its engines would not easily meet new emission rules introduced in America this year. The halt was until at least October this year. It is believed the decision to choose Cummins power for its medium and heavy L and XL Series trucks won’t change that production halt but will allow the company to concentrate on zero emission battery and hydrogen fuel cell drivelines relying on Cummins for internal combustion power plants.
“We are thrilled to offer Cummins’ proven B6.7 and L9 engines, the reliability, performance and durability presented with Cummins engines coupled with the award-winning Hino conventional cab will provide our customers the ultimate ownership experience,” said Hino’s senior VP of vehicle and parts sales Bob Petz.
“The Cummins B6.7 and L9 have an unmatched legacy in the medium-duty space, with nearly 80 years of combined production history, and e are confident Hino customers with Cummins engines will continue to enjoy low cost of operation ownership with our combined offering,” said Cummins’ vice president and general manager, North America on highway, Amy Boerger.
Hino said it plans to redirect engineering and other resources to accelerate the development of the battery electric vehicle (BEV) portion of Project Z, the company’s development path to zero emission vehicles (ZEV). The company had previously announced plans to develop and produce a full range of class 4 through 8 Battery Electric Trucks by
It is now planning to begin low volume production of the BEV models in the fourth quarter of 2022, ramping up to full production by the end of 2023.
“Our industry is in the midst of a generational shift from traditional vehicles to Zero Emission Vehicles,” said Hino’s senior VP of customer experience Glenn Ellis.
“This new partnership is in line with the recent shift we have seen among other OEMs who are looking to strong industry partners to help offset their growing R&D investments into new ZEVs,” Ellis said.
Hino will begin production of Cummins powered trucks at its West Virginia and Woodstock plants in October this year, using engines built by Cummins at its Rocky Mount Engine Plant in North Carolina.
The company plans to make the Cummins B6.7 engine available in the Hino L Series by the end of 2021, initially offering the engine in either 240 HP or 260 HP, with the B6.7 to be paired with Allison’s 2000 and 3000 Series transmissions.
Cummins L9 engine will be available in Hino’s XL Series model starting in 2022, initially in three ratings of 300hp, 330hp and 360hp paired with Allison’s 3000 or 3500 Series transmission or an Eaton manual.
Hino and Cummins will continue to evaluate additional opportunities to collaborate on powertrain strategies in the future.
