Power
management company Eaton was named a ‘Top Supplier’ by Cummins Inc. Eaton got
the honour for its technology contribution on the SuperTruck program and
SmartAdvantage integrated powertrain product. The award was presented to Eaton
on May 2, 2014 at Cummins’ U.S. Supplier Conference in Indianapolis.
Eaton
was one of the 17 suppliers to receive an award from the more than 5,000
companies that supply parts and services to Cummins’ U.S. operations, according
to a company statement.
Eaton
and Cummins have collaborated for years on numerous projects, including recent
advanced technology programs such as SuperTruck and SmartAdvantage. The
partners on the SuperTruck project include Cummins, Eaton and Peterbilt Motors
Co.
The
project involves development and demonstration of a highly efficient and clean
diesel engine, an advanced waste heat recovery system, an aerodynamic tractor
and trailer combination and a lithium-ion auxiliary battery power unit to
reduce engine idling. Eaton has supplied advanced transmissions for the
project.
The
goal of the SuperTruck program, initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy, is
to improve long-haul Class 8 vehicle freight efficiency. The program focuses on
advanced and highly efficient engine systems and vehicle technologies that meet
emissions, safety and other U.S. regulations for Class 8 tractor-trailer
vehicles. In addition to the benefits of reduced fuel consumption and petroleum
usage, the improvements in engine system efficiency will deliver a significant
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
SmartAdvantage
is a highly fuel efficient powertrain that pairs an Eaton Fuller Advantage
automated transmission with Cummins’ ISX15 and ISX12 diesel engines. This new
powertrain combines both hardware and software enhancements, resulting in
integrated power and fuel and shifting strategies that provide three to six
percent fuel economy improvements for linehaul and regional haul applications
with the ISX15, and two to four percent improvements with the ISX12.
The
ISX15 package was launched in fall 2013, and more than 80 customers offer this
package on current field or soon-to-be-launched new trucks. The ISX12 package
will be available this fall.
“It
is a great honour to receive this award, and reflects the hard work and
commitment of our team to exceed customer expectations every day,” said Tom
Stover, chief technology officer, Eaton’s Vehicle Group. “We appreciate Cummins
as a valued customer and look forward to continuing and expanding our
successful collaboration,” he said.
The
awards recognise suppliers for delivering exemplary service and support in a
range of categories, and helping Cummins transform its supply chain into one
that is market driven. The winning suppliers were nominated by Cummins’
business units and functional areas that work with them.
"These
suppliers have demonstrated and exceeded the qualities that we expect of all of
our suppliers -- high quality, on-time delivery, innovation, service and
commitment to Cummins' values," said Lisa Yoder, vice president, Supply
Chain and Manufacturing. "They understand what it means to be a true
partner to Cummins, helping us be successful so that we, in turn, help our
customers succeed. It's called winning at the hand offs," she added.
Source: Eaton
Picture details: L to R are: Tim Millwood,
executive director, Purchasing, Cummins; Scott Adams, executive director,
Sales, Automotive North America, Eaton; Tom Stover, chief technology officer,
Vehicle Group, Eaton; Michael Johnson, director, Sales, Automotive North
America, Eaton; Lisa Yoder, vice president, Global Supply Chain and
Manufacturing, Cummins; and, Steve Spaulding, vice president, Engine Business
Unit Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, Cummins.