The remarkable transformation of Cummins in recent years to become a genuine powertrain supplier – from engine to transmission to axles and brakes – will be in evidence for the first time in Australia at the Brisbane Truck Show in May.
A world-first display showing the integration of Cummins X15 engine, Eaton Cummins 18-speed Endurant speed transmission, and Meritor driveline and axles – will be in the spotlight at Brisbane. Cummins’ acquisition of Meritor in 2022 was the critical piece for Cummins in being able to rollout a completely integrated powertrain.
In fact, the Brisbane show will be the first time the combined forces of Cummins and Meritor are displayed together at a truck show in Australia.
While the Meritor business now operates under the banner of Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems (CDBS), the Meritor brand is retained for axles and brakes.
“The Brisbane show will be a great opportunity to see the result of the Cummins-Meritor integration and the benefits it offers customers as we bring together complementary power technologies to seamlessly enhance efficiency, performance and lower emissions across the powertrain system,” says David Cole, Managing Director of CDBS Australia.
“For customers this means lower total cost of ownership and having confidence in system dependability, backed by comprehensive Cummins support across the powertrain.”
HELM innovation
Cummins’ fuel agnostic HELM capability with its X15 engine platform will also be showcased at the Brisbane Truck Show.
“HELM – higher efficiency, lower emissions, multiple fuels – highlights the innovation that is powering us forward,” says Sean McLean, Director and General Manager of On-Highway Business for Cummins Asia Pacific.
The HELM engines are an important element of Cummins’ Destination Zero strategy to go further, faster to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) and air quality impacts of its products.
The industry-first HELM platform basically comprises one block and three-cylinder head options — a compression ignition head for diesel, and spark ignition heads for natural gas and hydrogen (a zero-carbon fuel at the tailpipe).
This will be the 15-litre platform for future diesel development and will be released in OEM (original equipment manufacturer) applications for the Australian market in coming years.
The natural gas version of the X15 – the X15N – is now in full production at Cummins’ Jamestown engine plant in the US, while the hydrogen version – the X15H – is expected to become available later in the decade.
The X15N, the first natural gas engine to be designed specifically for heavy-duty truck applications, is offered with maximum outputs of 500hp and 1850lb/ft of torque.
The X15H will have higher peak outputs of 530hp and 1900lb/ft of torque.
New X10 engine
Cummins’ new HELM X10 engine will also be displayed at the show.
The X10 is a brand new 10-litre platform to be launched in North America and Europe in 2026 and other global markets at a later stage.
While the X10 has fuel agnostic capability and can run on hydrogen and natural gas, the diesel version will be available first, compliant with the ultra-low US EPA 2027 and Euro 7 emission regulations.
Diesel will remain a critical technology for the on-highway market for years to come, and Cummins will continue to support it.
“We are committed to advancing diesel technology while our markets and our customers need it to run their businesses,” says Sean.
The diesel X10 will be available with ratings up to 450hp and peak torque of 1650 lb/ft, outputs that will suit short haul and regional trucking operations as well as bus and coach applications.
MLG recently launched a refurbished Kenworth T908 powered by a 620hp Cummins X15 with AdBlue after-treatment.
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