| DaimlerChrysler Truck Group and
Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) have set up a co-operative agreement
for engines. Fiat will supply its 3-litre F1C diesel engine to the Mitsubishi
Canter van from 2009.
Exhaust emissions and the push for better fuel consumption makes diesel
engine development expensive and highly specialised. DaimlerChrysler needed
a new powerplant for the Canter, launched in 2002, and considered in-house
sourcing before opting to buy-in. The supply contract lasts until 2016.
DaimlerChrysler chairman Dieter Zetsche said: “Emission regulations
demand a high level of investment and technological specialisation. This
agreement provides value for both companies.”
DaimlerChrysler gains immediate access to a powerful, economical new engine
which meets Euro V, EPA 10 and JP09 emissions standards while Fiat gains
more business for its powertrain division. Both should see cost benefits
from increased economies of scale.
FPT chief executive Alfredo Altavilla said: “This agreement shows
the level of our technology and supports our strategy of expanding our
business with outside customers.”
The F1C uses common rail and a variable geometry turbo to develop 132kW
(177bhp) and 400Nm of torque. It is already used in the Fiat Ducato and
Iveco Daily light commercial vehicles. Initial volumes of 80,000 units
for the Canter will come from the Foggia plant, Italy.
Production at an unnamed second plant will help meet capacity as demand
increases. Supply of the F1C is the main focus of the agreement, but the
firms are exploring further opportunities, including possible ventures
in South East Asia.
DaimlerChrysler is the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer
and owns 85 per cent of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation. FPT
manufactures 2.8 million engines and 2.1 million transmissions a year.
|
|
