Cummins East Asia Research & Development Centre (EA R&D) has officially opened its new site in the Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone of Wuhan, central China.
Three times larger than the original site, the new environmentally-minded facility covers an area of 78,000m2, hosting 28 test cells and more than 900 Cummins employees.
Jim Fier, Cummins VP-Chief Technical Officer; Nathan Stoner, Cummins VP-China ABO; Stephen Saxby, Cummins VP-Engineering, China ABO; Zhang Jinhua, Vice President of China Society of Automotive Engineers; and leaders of Cummins’ key OEM partners were involved in the site’s opening ceremony.
Established in 2006, EA R&D has played a key role in powering global off-highway machine engine giant Cummins’ growth in China. It has already contributed to over 50 VPI programs and over 3,000 VPCR projects. Building on the legendary history, Cummins is investing $150mn to establish cutting-edge technology research and development facilities in EA R&D to enable more fit-for-market and fit-for-application technological development and accelerated innovation for the company’s Destination Zero strategy. The new facility’s Twenty-eight test cells cover performance, reliability, NVH, and cold start. The new power building, which is still under construction, will combine the most up-to-date fuel cell lab, powertrain lab, transmission lab, H2 ICE Test Cell and LD/HD Chassis Dyno.
Nathan Stoner, Cummins VP-China ABO, said: “Given our diverse end-markets and product portfolio- the types and timing of solutions will vary, but we are committed to having the right solutions at the right time to support our customers in meeting their carbon reduction targets, on their path to zero carbon emissions, East Asia R&D Centre is at the centre of our work to meet these audacious goals.”
Cummins EA R&D Centre is deeply committed to the local society, linking the manufacturing functions of Cummins’ five businesses nationwide, and leveraging Cummins global technology innovation resources to develop low-carbon or even zero carbon diversified power products for customers.
“Our Planet 2050 strategy requires us to work with our partners and customers to bring the market improved current products that reduce our carbon footprint today while also developing zero emissions technology of the future.” Jim Fier, Cummins VP-Chief Technical Officer, said, “It is our technology leadership that attracts these important partners and customers. The new East Asia R&D Centre is an important piece of its technology leadership.”
Zhang Jinhua, Vice President of the China Society of Automotive Engineering, said: “Cummins EA R&D Centre is an important incubator of advanced engine technology and has become an important force to accelerate technological progress and green transformation of related industries in China.”
Cummins also utilised the new facility launch event to introduce the company’s Destination Zero strategy and how EA R&D contributes to this audacious goal. The full line-up of Cummins’ low-carbon, zero-carbon power solutions was presented at the site opening event opening. This included NSVI Natural Gas Engine, fuel agnostic engine platform, H2 ICE, fuel cell and diversified powertrain solutions, including Cummins engine, Eaton-Cummins transmission and Cummins Meritor axle.
Stephen Saxby, Cummins VP- Engineering, China ABO, said: “We are committed and confident in our ability to play a leading role in bringing lower carbon technologies to the commercial and industrial markets globally by utilising the unique capabilities Cummins has built over many years.”
