Cummins-Dodge Ram ``Laps'' Around America

    COLUMBUS, Ind.--Dec. 5, 2002--Cummins Inc. today unveiled a special field test it has been conducting on the new engines for the Dodge Ram pickup truck. Since July 2002, the Company has been doing "Laps" around America in Cummins powered Dodge Ram Heavy-Duty 2500 and 3500 series pickups. The laps are being used to field test the re-engineered Cummins Turbo Diesel engine and the all-new Dodge Ram combination in the most extreme operating conditions to ensure that reliability and durability are unmatched in this vehicle class.
    Each "lap" is approximately 9,000 miles and takes roughly four weeks to complete. The course outlines the United States and covers all types of road and weather conditions. In addition to the miles, weather and geographical challenges, each truck pulls fully-loaded trailers to increase the demands placed on the engines. For testing purposes, the vehicles typically are operated with 90 percent load on the engine, much greater than the demands of an average consumer.
    Cummins has compiled more than a quarter million miles of testing through this system. The ruggedness of the laps has provided invaluable data to help refine the design of the engines to exceed our customer's expectations. This extensive testing is above and beyond the requirements that DaimlerChrysler demands for quality testing.
    The Lap of America is a joint initiative among DaimlerChrysler, Cummins and Valvoline. DaimlerChrysler donated four new 2003 Heavy Duty Dodge Rams, and Valvoline has provided the lubrication needs of the vehicle, with Premium Blue engine oils as the exclusive test oil. Cummins has supported all additional expenses.
    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.