Daimler Trucks AG, parent company to Thomas Built Buses, and Cummins recently announced a global plan for medium-duty commercial vehicle engines. This partnership is both exciting and promising for the continuation of diesel in the school bus market, and is also part of Daimler’s commitment to offer the industry’s leading zero-emissions vehicles. We’re sharing with you what specifically this partnership means for our customers here in Virginia.
1. What is the future of the DD5 and Cummins B6.7 engines?
The DD5 engine will continue to be available on the Saf-T-Liner C2 until 2027. The current Cummins B6.7 engine configuration will also be discontinued in 2027.
The decision to eventually phase out the DD5 engine has nothing to do with its performance but is rather exactly the opposite. As even better technology becomes available, it doesn’t make sense to continue to engineer and market two separate engines in Daimler Truck products, including Thomas Built Buses. The DD5 engine has continued to wow the industry and customers here in Virginia with it’s industry-leading fuel economy and fewer regens. The collaboration between Daimler Trucks AG and Cummins will produce a clean-sheet design for the next generation of medium-duty engines to meet EPA and EURO emissions standards that take effect in 2027.
2. What support will be available for my DD5 engine?
The short answer – the exact same full-service support our team at Sonny Merryman currently offers for the DD5 engine. New technology replacing existing technology is nothing new in pupil transportation. As we have always done, our team of technicians and support staff, as well as our partners at DTNA, will continue to be fully equipped and skilled to support you and our products.
3. Should I continue to purchase the DD5 engine?
With the partnership between Daimler Trucks AG and Cummins, we’re expecting next-level technology development in the future. Until then, as the current medium-duty engine leader in fuel economy and aftertreatment system technology, there is significant reason to continue utilizing the DD5 in your buses.
4. Why is the partnership between Daimler Trucks AG and Cummins important to the future of pupil transportation?
The transportation industry as a whole has seen a significant shift to cleaner, carbon-neutral technology in recent years – in particular, electrification. Undoubtedly, electrification is the future of student transportation. As we move in this direction, diesel continues to be the dominant fuel of pupil transportation and is a excellent bridge for those wanting to eventually make a switch to electric. The collaboration between Daimler Trucks AG and Cummins will produce the next generation of medium-duty engines that will lead diesel into the industry’s new and evolving emissions and performance standards.
While aspects of pupil transportation are not always certain, one thing you can always be certain of is our team’s support and commitment to you, our customers. Please do not hesitate to contact any Team Sonny member with questions.