InfraStructures - September 2010 - VW and CMD Announce Strategic Partnership on Engines

VW and CMD Announce Strategic Partnership on Engines

Cummins MerCruiser Diesel (CMD), a supplier of marine propulsion solutions, and Volkswagen recently concluded a partnership to develop and supply marine engines.

Commitments include the joint development of marine engines that will comply with the future Tier 3 emissions standard. Volkswagen is a leading manufacturer of diesel marine engines with a maximum rating of 350 hp and will set up series production of the new engine generation at its plant in Salzgitter, Germany. Furthermore, under the agreement, all Volkswagen marine engines will from 2011 on be exclusively supplied to CMD and marketed under the CMD name.

The Tier 3 emissions standard comes into effect in the United States in 2012, with the corresponding European standards following from 2014 onwards. Tier 3 prescribes significantly lower thresholds for emissions of nitrous oxides (NOx) and other pollutants and requires the further development of diesel combustion technology.

“The strategic marine business offers significant potential for both partners. We bring to the alliance our technological know-how in engine production and the high quality standard of Volkswagen products. CMD has expert knowledge of marine applications and is well known for its success in marine engine distribution and service,” said Professor Dr. Werner Neubauer, member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand responsible for Components.

“We are delighted with this union. It brings together the best minds and capacities in the field of marine propulsion systems,” commented Alex Savelli, president of Cummins MerCruiser Diesel. “We are convinced the relationship with Volkswagen will put us in a position to meet the requirements of the new exhaust legislation for the marine industry well before it comes into effect. Our alliance will not only culminate in new products that set the ecological benchmark in their class, but will also bring added value with regard to reliability, reduced noise and vibrations, size, weight and price.”

Source: Volkswagen