Autocar Trucks first to introduce new Cummins X12 engine to refuse market

Autocar Trucks, Birmingham, Alabama, announced it will be the first truck manufacturer to offer the new Cummins X12 engine to customers serving the refuse industry. The X12 12-liter diesel engine has reduced weight, enabling haulers to handle more trash and simultaneously lower their operating costs, the company says. Autocar will begin accepting orders in June for X12-powered ACX trucks to be produced in October of this year, immediately after Cummins begins full U.S. production of the X12. Autocar will offer the X12 across all Class 8 severe-duty vocational applications.

“Autocar is focused on bringing innovations to the market with real, tangible benefits to our customers,” Jim Johnston, president of Autocar, says. “This new engine puts more cash in our customers’ pockets, plain and simple. We’re gratified that Cummins trusts us to bring the X12 engine to the refuse market first.”

Haulers with the Autocar ACX and X12 engine will see a significant weight savings of 733 lbs. versus the previous 12-liter engine, which directly relates to 733 lbs. more payload available. The weight savings is achieved through a sculpted block design, as well as weight reduction in the after-treatment system, power take-off and other components. The X12 also offers improved low-speed torque, even with similar horsepower ratings.

Autocar’s integration of the X12 also boasts lowered operating costs due to extended maintenance intervals, 25 percent fewer parts and a 6 percent improvement in fuel economy due to enhanced engine efficiency and reduction of parasitic loss. The fuel savings alone equates to $10,800 over the life of a typical garbage truck at current diesel prices.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Autocar through the introduction of Cummins’ next-generation X12 diesel engine in Autocar’s ACX chassis” Brett Merritt, Cummins’ vice president, on highway engine business, says. “Autocar is a key player in the North America refuse market and this introduction will further our current collaboration across natural gas and diesel platforms.”

The X12 engine was tested in diverse terrain across the United States and Canada. Over two-million miles of field testing was conducted across the full spectrum of applications. Drivers will notice smoother operation with fewer downshifts and even more responsive torque at low speeds, according to the company.

Autocar Trucks Vice President of Brand Management Adam Burck says, “Autocar serves eight of the ten largest cities in America. It’s important to them that Autocar is the only major American-owned company assembling cab-over refuse trucks in America. Bringing innovations to the market with our key suppliers, such as Cummins, helps us continue to create American manufacturing jobs.”