Cummins Builds Two-Millionth Ram Diesel For Chrysler Group

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 

• Milestone engine destined for display
• Ram-Cummins partnership spans four decades
• Capability of current High-Output Cummins engine more than double that of original offering

Cummins Inc. has produced its 2-millionth diesel engine for Ram Trucks, highlighting the latest milestone in a storied partnership that spans four decades.

The 350-horsepower, 6.7-liter, in-line 6-cylinder turbo diesel is distinguished by its "Cummins Red" rocker cover and breather. But despite its 800 lb.-ft. peak torque rating, the historic engine – feted today at a Cummins plant in Columbus, Ind. – will not see service. Instead, it will go on display, touring the U.S.

"The Ram Truck-Cummins diesel partnership is one of the industry's most enduring and certainly fitting of such a tribute," says Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico. "Both companies have benefited greatly, but Ram diesel customers are the real beneficiaries. Every day they experience the toughness and capability a Cummins-powered Ram can deliver."

Cummins began supplying engines to Chrysler Group in 1988. Today in North America, only Ram-brand pickups and chassis cabs feature the coveted Cummins "C" logo.

"I am immensely proud of our association with Cummins," says Bob Lee, Chrysler Group Vice President and Head of Engine and Electrified Propulsion Engineering. "And I have no qualms matching our truck diesels against those of any competitor for performance and durability."

For 2013, Cummins-powered Rams boast capabilities and features that include:

• Best-in-class torque and a 10 percent fuel-economy improvement
• Exclusive dual-inlet "Ram Active Air" that adjusts induction according to driving conditions for optimal performance
• "Smart" exhaust brake for smoother driving characteristics
• Best-in-class 15,000-mile oil-change interval
• A new cooling system for improved performance and durability
• B20 fuel capability
• Next-generation Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and diesel exhaust fluid system with range of up to 4,000 miles between refills
• Dual fuel filtration system for enhanced reliability and durability in virtually every climate and environment
• Unsurpassed powertrain warranty – 5 years/100,000 miles

The Chrysler Group-Cummins partnership traces its beginnings to 1985, when development work began on a 5.9-liter 12-valve in-line 6-cylinder turbo diesel. When it launched in 1989, it was rated at 160 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of peak torque – less than half the numbers for today's High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel.

In the 2013 Ram Heavy Duty pickups, the top-line Cummins engine makes 385 horsepower and a best-in-class 850 lb. ft. of torque.

Among other notable events in the evolution of Cummins diesels produced for Chrysler Group: 

• 24-valve design introduced in model-year 1998.5
• Adoption of high-pressure common-rail fuel delivery in 2003
• Named to Ward's 10 Best Engines list in 2004
• Displacement increased to 6.7 liters from 5.9 liters in model-year 2007.5
• Met 2010 EPA emissions certification in 2007

Take-rate is testament to the appeal of Cummins engines among Ram customers. Diesels account for nearly 80 percent of Ram Heavy Duty sales.

About Ram Truck Brand
The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as a standalone vehicle brand. Creating a distinct brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they'd like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

The Ram Truck brand has the most innovative lineup of full-size trucks on the market. Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

Chrysler Group LLC Corporate Overview
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mopar, SRT and Fiat vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group's culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat's complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler, all-new Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC