Boats Are Automotive Too: Cummins and Mercury Marine To Integrate Diesel Engines and Propulsion Systems

    MIAMI--Feb. 14, 2002--Cummins Marine, a division of Cummins Inc., and Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation, today announced the formation of a 50/50 joint venture to supply integrated diesel propulsion systems to the worldwide recreational and commercial marine markets. The joint venture, Cummins MerCruiser Diesel Marine LLC, will be headquartered in Charleston, SC.
    Under the terms of the agreement, Cummins will supply diesel engines 15 liters and below, including certain electronic displays and other hardware. Mercury Marine will supply the Mercury 1.7 liter, 2.8 liter, 4.2 liter and 7.3 liter diesel engines, drive units for stern drive applications and their SmartCraft(R) electronic integration hardware. The joint venture aims to become the premier worldwide supplier of integrated diesel marine propulsion units.
    "Mercury Marine has been working for some time to establish the company as an industry leader in the diesel marine propulsion segment," said Patrick Mackey, President of Mercury Marine. "With this joint venture, we are positioned to offer customers a complete range of products with exceptional customer support. A unique set of competencies is required to be successful in the diesel marine propulsion business, and this partnership is positioned to excel in this business," added Mackey.
    Cummins, the market leader in North America and Australia for recreational marine diesel engines, will leverage its expertise in the engineering of diesel engines into marine applications through enhanced integration opportunities.
    "Partnering with Mercury Marine presents an opportunity to provide completely integrated vessel propulsion, power generation, control and information systems," said Joe Loughrey, Executive Vice President and President, Engine Business Unit, Cummins Inc. "The system integration capabilities of the joint venture, combined with the global support capabilities of Cummins and Mercury Marine offer a unique opportunity for a very successful business from day one," said Loughrey.
    Separately, Scott Patrohay, General Manager - Cummins Marine, was named President of the joint venture. "I look forward to the challenges of bringing together the exceptional brand recognition and products of our two companies," said Patrohay. "Cummins MerCruiser Diesel Marine will create a new level of customer value from helm to prop by combining our leadership in these markets," said Patrohay.
    Cummins will retain its current high-horsepower commercial marine and auxiliary power business, which will continue to be headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina. Mercury Marine will retain its traditional gas engine propulsion business.
    Mercury Marine is a division of the Brunswick Corporation, headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois. Brunswick Corporation is a manufacturer and marketer of leading consumer brands in the marine engine and boating markets as well as the recreational fitness, bowling and billiard markets. Mercury Marine's home page can be found at www.mercurymarine.com.
    A global power leader, Cummins Inc., is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute, and service electrical power generation systems, engines, and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, and emissions solutions. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (USA), Cummins serves its customers through more than 500 company-owned and independent distributor locations in 131 countries and territories. With 24,900 employees worldwide, Cummins reported sales of $5.7 billion in 2001. Press releases by fax can be requested by calling News On Demand (toll free) at 888-329-2305. Cummins home page can be found at www.cummins.com.