Based on Frost & Sullivan's independent research surveying heavy-duty fleet, safety, maintenance and service managers in the United States, Cummins Inc. emerged as the overall best heavy-duty truck engine supplier. While 49 percent of the respondents chose Cummins, its closest competitor captured only 23 percent of the votes. The large difference in customer selection has served to demonstrate that Cummins is a clear leader in the U.S. heavy-duty truck engine market and thus a worthy recipient of this award.
Cummins Inc. received 2014 United States Overall Best Heavy-duty Truck Engines Product Leadership Award. "It is hardly surprising that an overwhelming majority of respondents select Cummins as the top heavy-duty truck engine supplier, as the company manufactures the most comprehensive range of diesel and natural gas engines that can be used for a wide array of medium and heavy-duty truck types and applications," said Frost & Sullivan Global DirectorTonya Fowler. "As an independent engine provider, the company is also in a unique position to allow customers to specify their product requirements and optimize the engine features and parameters to meet their business needs."
The survey also revealed heavy-duty fleet managers' recognition of Cummins heavy-duty truck engine leadership when it comes to fuel efficiency, operational effectiveness and reliability. Specifically, the diesel engines designed by Cummins are built to the highest standards of quality and have the best performance attributes. The company has also developed industry-leading 8.9L and 12L natural gas engines by making good use of its engineering expertise and strong partnerships. These engines operate on 100 percent natural gas, which can be carried on the vehicle in either compressed (CNG) or liquefied (LNG) form.
However, heavy-duty fleet managers' endorsement of Cummins as the leading heavy-duty truck engine supplier doesn't just come from the merits of its engines; the company's customer support infrastructure, which is more extensive than that of any other heavy-duty truck original equipment manufacturer in North America, has bolstered its reputation among customers. The provision of a standard warranty that is backed by the company's nationwide network of service and support centers has also been valuable to customers.
"To maintain positive customer perceptions, Cummins ensures that it is at the forefront of fuel-efficiency and emission-reduction efforts by working closely with the Environmental Protection Agency and other regulatory bodies to shape the evolution of diesel engines and provide regulatory compliance support," noted Fowler. "Ultimately, the company aims to lower the total cost of ownership incurred by customers."
Also, Cummins spends considerable time with fleet managers, maintenance managers, technicians and drivers of disparate fleets in the U.S. and Canada to update itself on service, maintenance and operational requirements. By incorporating the insights gained from these conversations into product development and ensuring that the Cummins team of engine experts work synergistically to address market needs, the company has taken adequate measures to remain customers' primary choice.
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents its Product Leadership Awards to companies that are outstanding within their industries -- leading their industries based upon Frost & Sullivan's criteria of excellence. The recipient has distinguished itself through its proactive strategies that position it as an industry leader.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.
