Cummins Inc. announced its product improvement plans, focusing on improved fuel efficiency, lower total cost of ownership and improved uptime, under the SmartEfficiency initiative.

"Cummins SmartEfficiency aligns with the industry focus on reducing greenhouse gas and CO2 emissions. It encompasses a range of solutions that will improve fuel efficiency and reduce total cost of operation," said Kartik Ramanan, GM - Global Bus Engine Business. "We are working even more closely with customers to understand their business and optimize our products for their specific applications and duty cycles. We will adopt the most appropriate solutions to deliver the best possible results."

Under the theme of SmartEfficiency, Cummins is announcing key product-line improvements over the next 12 months that will include optimized calibrations, product tailoring with improved power and torque, mild-hybrid technologies, integrated powertrains and an expanded lineup of alternative-energy products.

Cummins will deliver genuine customer benefits through driveline efficiency improvements and reductions in operating costs. Product development has been based on Cummins working with customers and gaining an even deeper knowledge of OEMs' and operators' businesses to understand their needs.

In support of this, for coach applications, Cummins has announced optimized gearing recommendations for ISL9 and ISX12 diesel engines to improve efficiency, and Connected Diagnostics^(TM) to increase vehicle uptime.

"Since 2014, emissions regulations previously focusing on reduced oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter have moved toward reducing the greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions. This has backed Cummins long-term focus on developing solutions that optimize our and our customers' products for the best possible fuel efficiency. The SmartEfficiency theme is a perfect way to represent this, and support our commitment to not just North American, but global bus and coach customers," said Laura Chasse, GM - North America Bus Engine Business.