Automated truck transmissions drive Eaton, Cummins joint venture

Sources: Eaton Corp., Cleveland; Cummins Inc., Columbus, Ind.; CP staff

Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies is a new joint venture targeting the global heavy- and medium-duty commercial vehicle market. Eaton and Cummins will hold 50/50 stakes in the entity, whose formation is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, but anticipated during the third quarter of 2017.

“Customers are focused on powertrain solutions that provide the best combination of technology, performance and quality,” says Eaton CEO Craig Arnold. “Our joint venture with Cummins will leverage the technical strengths and experience of two leaders with long histories and deep industry expertise to provide superior automated transmission technology for global customers.”

“Our growth strategy includes extending our global footprint by becoming the world’s leading powertrain supplier,” adds Cummins CEO Tom Linebarger. “Our JV with Eaton will deliver the most advanced automated transmissions and develop an integrated powertrain and service network that supports customers like never before.”

The joint venture will provide customers with transmission solutions that deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency, performance and uptime, Eaton and Cummins officials contend, while leveraging both partners’ global service and support networks. It will will design, assemble, sell and support all future medium- and heavy-duty automated transmissions for the commercial vehicle market. Eaton’s current medium-duty automated transmission, Procision, and next generation heavy-duty automated transmissions, will be part of the joint venture.

The new business will also market, sell, and support Eaton’s current generation of automated heavy-duty transmissions to original equipment manufacturers in North America. The Eaton Vehicle Group will retain current generation medium- and heavy-duty automated transmissions for markets outside North America, plus its global manual transmission, clutch and aftermarket businesses.