The bauma exhibition, known as the global benchmark for the construction machinery industry, recently concluded in Munich, Germany. The exhibition covered an indoor and outdoor exhibition area of 614,000 square meters and attracted 3,601 exhibitors from 57 countries. And about 600,000 viewers from over 200 countries. The number of Chinese exhibitors has exceeded the historical record of 2019, setting a new high. Several leading Chinese construction machinery brands have sold out their exhibits and received a large number of orders.
The fist products showcased by numerous manufacturers are equipped with Cummins F3.8, B4.5, B6.7, L9, X12, and X15 series non road Euro V engines, providing assistance for Liugong T series loaders, 933 excavators, 975F excavators, XCMG 15 ton, 23 ton short tail excavators, and 50 ton excavators, Zoomlion 3.5-4.5 ton fixed forklift trucks, Sany 215 excavators, 305 excavators, 365 excavators, and 30G5, 40G5 grabbing machines, as well as three PRO series rotary drilling rigs customized and developed by SUNWARD Intelligent for high-end markets in Europe and America.
This time, Cummins unveiled its new generation 15-liter engine - X15 multi fuel heavy-duty engine platform at bauma exhibition, which can use clean diesel, natural gas, renewable biofuels or hydrogen. It is the preferred power for non-road industry customers to pursue higher energy efficiency, meet emission upgrades, and achieve energy transformation.
At the same time, Cummins also showcased the QSK60 high horsepower engine designed specifically for mining equipment, which meets North American non-road Tier 4 Final and Euro 5 emission standards and can provide over 3000 horsepower, as well as Cummins telescopic fork axle designed to improve the durability and loading and unloading efficiency of industrial vehicles and port equipment.
In recent years, Chinese construction machinery manufacturers have been making great strides in overseas markets. According to public information, multiple companies' overseas revenue accounted for 50% or more of their total sales revenue in 2024, reaching an unprecedented level of internationalization.
The quality of Chinese construction machinery products is gradually improving, and the overseas market share is constantly expanding. We believe that Chinese OEMs will release greater vitality in the global market in the future.The senior management of Cummins Engine Division highly praised the globalization of Chinese brands and products.
How to deepen the globalization of Chinese construction machinery host factories? How will Cummins empower Chinese main engine plants to go global? How will global non-road industry power system solutions progress in the future? How can Cummins' next-generation engine platform help customers move towards a zero-carbon future? The reporter from China Construction Machinery (CCM) discussed these industry related topics with Cummins executives at the bauma exhibition site.
CCM: How do you view the journey of Chinese construction machinery manufacturers going global? What improvements do Chinese products and brands need in overseas markets? How will Cummins support the global development of Chinese main engine plants?
Marina Savelli, Global Vice President of Non-Road Business at Cummins Engine Division: For a long time, China has been one of important non-road application markets worldwide. In recent years, Chinese main engine plants have accelerated their going global efforts, significantly improving product quality and continuously expanding their overseas market share, gaining recognition from more and more international customers.
As a global pioneer in diversified power technology, Cummins has always been committed to working hand in hand with Chinese partners for mutual benefit, and supporting Chinese customers in exporting and expanding overseas markets.
In the future, Chinese main engine plants need to have a deeper understanding and insight into different regional markets around the world. I believe that in the process of going global, through continuous learning and progress, Chinese main engine plants will demonstrate greater vitality in the global market.
Wang Kaijun, General Manager of Cummins' Engine Business Unit in China： European and American engineering machinery manufacturing companies have limited global production capacity after the pandemic. Chinese main engine plants are seizing the opportunity and actively seeking cooperation and growth in overseas markets.
In the long run, if Chinese main engine plants want to achieve long-term sustainable success on a global scale, they cannot simply focus on foreign export trade, nor can they only pay attention to this year or next year export volume. Instead, they need to continue investing in building a global system, which is a necessary path for Chinese automakers to achieve globalization.
The construction of a global system not only refers to the layout of overseas product manufacturing, but also includes overseas distribution service networks and customer relationships, as well as overseas financial services.
Ma Ji, General Manager of Marketing and Sales of Cummins China Engine Division: In the past decade, Chinese construction machinery manufacturers have achieved remarkable globalization results, with some leading enterprises accounting for more than 60% of their export value. In the global market, whether in high-end markets such as Europe, America, Australia, or in countries and regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, Chinese companies have made significant progress.
Chinese main engine plants need to maintain the growth momentum of overseas markets, and product exports are only in the initial stage; Next, we need to gradually develop from current trading partners to multinational corporations with global operations, establish long-term roots in overseas markets, and build localization capabilities. Firstly, it is necessary to have knowledge and understanding of the local market, establish a localized distribution service network, and develop customer relationships; Then, based on the characteristics of customer needs in different countries and regions, more targeted promotion of localized procurement and localized research and development manufacturing should be carried out.
CCM: At this bauma exhibition, Cummins proposed the slogan "Based on the present, explore infinite possibilities". What is the meaning behind this?
Marina Savelli: Global non-road equipment manufacturers not only need to meet emission requirements in different markets, but also move towards low-carbon and zero carbon. From an application perspective, adapting multiple fuels to the same engine platform can help manufacturers achieve a smooth transition from diesel to clean energy.
The Cummins HELMTM multi fuel engine platform, utilizing cutting-edge technology, is a testament to Cummins' commitment to innovation. It can be said that the launch of Cummins' new generation 15-liter product has created a new path for non-road power to achieve zero emissions.
Wang Kaijun: From a global perspective, it will take a long time for the construction machinery industry to achieve zero carbon emissions targets. There are still significant differences in the zero-carbon process among different countries and regions.
For Cummins, continuously upgrading the product performance and fuel economy of engines is a more practical and feasible measure to reduce emissions and consumption. By continuously investing in advanced diesel engine technology and providing low-carbon, zero carbon power solutions including hybrid power systems, multi fuel engine platforms, and hydrogen internal combustion engines, Cummins can better meet the market demands of different regions around the world. Looking towards the future, Cummins is also simultaneously promoting the development of lithium batteries, electric drive systems, and hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Ma Ji: Destination Zero is Cummins' global strategy. The process of energy transition is complex and lengthy.
In the non-road sector, Cummins has over 2000 different applications. This vast database enables Cummins to provide more suitable optimization matching solutions for different countries and regions, different emission standards, different types of complete machines, and different application conditions.
To achieve the zero-carbon goal, Cummins has launched the Accelerate brand, focusing on developing zero carbon power solutions, including product lines such as fuel cells, pure electric vehicles, electric drive axles, traction and transmission systems, and electrolytic water hydrogen production equipment.
By taking multiple measures, Cummins not only meets the current and future development needs of OEMs in all aspects, but also actively promotes the progress and development of power technology in non-road industries.
CCM: Can you share more progress on Cummins Accelerator zero carbon power solution?
Marina Savelli: In North America, Cummins Accelera zero carbon business unit has formed a joint venture, Amplify Cell Technologies, with Daimler Trucks, Paka, and EVE Energy, focusing on the production of lithium iron phosphate batteries for commercial vehicles. Cummins will continue to invest and layout in the field of hydrogen production technology through electrolysis of water. In addition, Cummins also invests in the field of fuel cells. We are pleased to see that Cummins' zero carbon technology is being accepted and applied in the market.
Wang Kaijun: Many of Accelera's businesses have already landed in China. At present, the electrification penetration rate of China's construction machinery market has led the global market. For Cummins, it can rely on China's well-established electrification industry chain to accelerate its zero-carbon business layout, thereby promoting the development and application of global zero carbon power solutions.
CCM: How will Cummins meet the growing demand of the global mining industry, especially in China?
Wang Kaijun: In terms of power matching for mining equipment, Cummins has a more comprehensive series of high horsepower engine products, a complete service network, and extensive global experience in supporting applications.
Cummins will continue to take effort in promoting the progress of China's mining industry. For manufacturers of mining equipment, Cummins can not only provide more suitable power solutions, but also participate in the design, development, testing, and verification of complete machine products throughout the process, which is also the advantage of Cummins empowering the development of mining equipment in China.
Ma Ji: The recognition of Cummins mining equipment manufacturers is not only reflected in the performance advantages of engine products, but also in the high recognition of Cummins' value concepts such as full lifecycle cost and after-sales service. Faced with the booming development of the global mining industry, Cummins is prepared to continuously increase production capacity and meet the growing demand of the mining market.
CCM: Looking ahead to the future, what aspects will Cummins focus on in its cooperation with Chinese construction machinery main engine plants?
Wang Kaijun: Based on its existing business layout in China, Cummins' current focus is on the deployment and optimization of non-road four stage emission products in China. At the same time, we will work with our Chinese partners to promote the testing of non-road five stage products.
Ma Ji: Cummins has been deeply rooted in the global market, such as Brazil and India, for many years, laying out local markets and possessing strong localization support capabilities. Not only can it provide locally developed and manufactured engines, providing more convenience for Chinese manufacturers' product development, but it can also share global market operation experience with Chinese main engine plants. More importantly, Cummins can provide a more comprehensive global service network for its Chinese partners. These global advantages are also the true value of Cummins as a global provider of diversified power solutions.