Detroit Diesel Corporation has announced that it will discontinue production of its DD13 engine for motorcoach applications in December 2021. It will continue to supply the engines exclusively to Freightliner and Western Star trucks.
The DD13 currently is installed as original equipment in MCI and Van Hool motorcoaches.
The departure of Detroit Diesel leaves the engine market to Cummins, Volvo (Prevost and Volvo motorcoaches) and Mercedes-Benz (Setra motorcoaches).
“Detroit is focused on providing fully integrated powertrain components and safety and technology solutions to the Class 5-8 truck markets,” explained spokesman Fred Liguori.
“Several thousand” of the DD13 engines have been installed in motorcoaches since 2010, he said. While the basic truck and motorcoach engines are similar, “Motorcoach applications require unique components and design for cooling and air intake systems.”
In a media advisory issued Aug. 26, the company stated:
“Detroit is committed to providing the highest-level of support to its motor coach customers for the duration of the lives of their engines. With more than 700 locations in North America, Detroit’s extensive, award-winning network and factory-trained technicians are available to all motor coach customers.
“Detroit will continue to provide motor coach customers with its fast, hassle-free parts and service process, as well as expedited parts and service for critical downtime situations. Detroit will honor all engine warranties through the duration of their term period.”
MCI offers the DD13 as an option on its J4500. The Cummins ISX12 is the standard engine. The MCI J3500 is offered only with the Cummins L9.
The DD13 is the standard engine fitted to the Van Hool CX45, TX40 and TX45 motorcoaches. The Cummins ISX12 is an option on the CX45. The CX35 is available only with the Cummins L9, and the TDX only with the Cummins ISX12.
The company will continue to monitor the motorcoach industry, Liguori said. “While there are no immediate plans to offer a Detroit engine to the motor coach market, Detroit and parent company Daimler Trucks North America continually evaluate opportunities to provide integrated solutions to meet customer needs.”
