CMD and Volkswagen in long term alliance
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel (CMD) and Volkswagen have announced a long term alliance to co-develop marine engines below 5-litres that will be marketed, distributed and serviced under the CMD brand.
ALLIANCE: Two major engine manufacturers have signed a long term alliance that will see them jointly develop a range of under 5-litre marine engines designed to comply with future emissions standards.
Volkswagen will manufacture the new engine line at its plant in Salzgitter, Germany. Effective January 1, 2011, all current Volkswagen marine engines will be sold exclusively by CMD and marketed under the CMD brand.
The EPA Tier 3 emissions standard will take effect in 2012 in the United States, and the RCD2 emissions standard takes effect in 2014 in Europe for this range of engines.
The new standards prescribe significantly lower thresholds for emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other pollutants and require the development of next-generation diesel combustion technology.
‘This union brings together the best minds and capabilities in the field of marine propulsion systems,’ said Alex Savelli, president of CMD. ‘For engines below 5-litres we’re convinced the relationship with Volkswagen will put us in an excellent position to meet the requirements of the new exhaust legislation for the marine industry.’
‘The strategic marine business offers significant potential for both companies,’ said Volkswagen’s Professor Dr. Werner Neubauer. ‘We bring to the alliance our technological know-how in engine production and the well-known high-quality standard of Volkswagen products.
Beginning January 1, 2011, the CMD distribution network will assume responsibility for service and administration of warranty claims for engines previously sold under the Volkswagen Marine brand.
For engines above 5-litres, CMD will continue to marinise Cummins base engines in Charleston and Darlington. The QSB, QSC, QSL and QSM engines are capable of meeting EPA Tier 3 and Europe RCD Tier 2 emissions standards with in-cylinder strategies similar to those being used for engines being produced under the alliance with Volkswagen.
