Nissan is excited. Really excited. The auto manufacturer will soon be launching its new 2016 Titan XD truck and they want the country – or at least the media here – to know about it inside and out. I had seen photos of the body but Nissan could not be more proud of its relationship with Cummins as their engines will power this big boy. So with an invitation I recently visited the Cummins Engine Plant in Columbus, Indiana, to see where the new 5.0L V8 turbo diesel engines will be built.
Nissan and Cummins were gracious hosts during an extensive tour of the plant floor where my group saw the process of how these powerful engines will roll off the assembly line. Cummins has a long history in the engine business dating back to 1919 and provides everything from power generation to fuel systems to emission solutions. The 500,00 sq. ft. facility was in a test mode that day as they fine-tuned the many work stations it takes to assemble the heavy duty turbines.
Cummins expects to produce 150,000 of these engines each year and Nissan certainly expects them to move off dealership lots beginning in late 2015.