Agricultural powerplant

With an engine of some sort to cater for almost any sector of industry, it was no surprise that Cummins once again attracted a lot of attention at Nampo

As a world-renowned engine manufacturer, designer and distributor, Cummins is certainly an important company in the transport and logistics industry. Hailing from Columbus, Indiana in the United States, it also services engines and provides engine-related technology such as fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission control and electrical power generation systems.

With dealers spanning over 190 countries through a network of more than 600 company-owned and independent distributors and approximately 6 000 dealers, a show like Nampo provides a company such as this the ideal opportunity to promote its products to the South African market.

“Cummins has a strong and longstanding relationship with the agricultural and related industries in southern Africa and has been attending Nampo for more than ten years,” says Nic Alexandre, marketing and communications manager, Cummins Southern Africa. Being the largest show of its kind in the southern hemisphere, Nampo is recognised as an important show on the annual calendar, even for a Fortune 500 company like Cummins.

The company is therefore committed to supporting the expo. “One of the most important aspects of attending Nampo is having a presence for our existing customers and obviously to engage in new relationships. Cummins also leverages shows such as these to engage our customers one-on-one, to explore new opportunities and ensure that their experiences and feedback form part of our ongoing interactions,” he continues.

Cummins found being at Nampo 2013 very worthwhile. “The fact that it is such a large show, with many thousands of visitors coming through the gates every day, makes it significant for us to attend. Many of the companies exhibiting run their equipment on Cummins engines and, as such, it’s important for us to be available and on site. As a manufacturer, Cummins firmly believes in partnering its customers at events like these,” adds Alexandre.

The ISF2.8, currently used in the Foton Tunland, proved to be the most popular Cummins engine on display. This engine is important for Cummins as it represents its first foray in to the passenger vehicle market. It also represents a significant technological aspect to Foton’s only passenger-type model in South Africa.

Other popular products included the heavy-duty QSX15 and the versatile QSM11 and 6BT5.9 units. These engines are always popular, as they are used in both the commercial and agricultural industries. “In addition,” says Alexandre, “we had Fleetguard Filters, coolants and lubrication as well as Valvoline Premium Blue oil specialists on hand to answer customers questions and concerns.

“Cummins recognises that the agricultural segment is very important – the agricultural equipment manufacturers make up a large portion of our engine market, with customers also being attracted by our aftermarket offering in terms of parts and service,” says Alexandre. “A large number of original equipment manufacturers utilise a variety of Cummins products, from trucks to tractors. We will definitely be at next year’s show,” he concludes.