JCB to develop and manufacture diesel engines

Construction equipment manufacturer JCB this week confirmed its plans to develop its own four and six-litre diesel engines. Dean Palmer reports

Construction equipment manufacturer JCB this week confirmed its plans to develop its own four and six-litre diesel engines. Working in close partnership with engine specialists Ricardo, AVL, Cosworth Technology and Krause, JCB will develop engines specifically for the off-highway equipment sector. Sir Anthony Bamford, JCB chairman and MD, commented: "The JCB engine will give higher performance than existing engines and also comply with future world-wide emissions requirements. When manufactured, the engine will enable JCB to supply the best possible power train package for its customers." The JCB engine development team is located at an existing JCB factory in Staffordshire. Until the new engines are developed, the company says it will continue to source 1 litre, 1.5 litre and 2 litre diesel engines from its current supplier, Perkins.