Cummins ISB Available in Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner School Buses

COLUMBUS, Ind.--Oct. 3, 20031, 2003--Cummins Inc. today announced that its ISB engine will be available in Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner EF school buses beginning in January 2004.

The ISB release with Thomas Built Bus, a member of the DaimlerChrysler Freightliner Group, builds on Cummins leadership in the bus market, providing Thomas Built Bus customers with proven performance and reliability.

"We selected the ISB because of its quiet operation and low operating costs, which will be very attractive to Thomas customers," said Ed Swaim, Thomas Built Bus Product Manager, Transit School Bus. "Cummins has been an important part of the Thomas Built bus lineup in the past, and we are pleased to be the first school bus manufacturer to offer the new Cummins ISB."

Cummins reduced on-highway diesel emissions in trucks and buses by nearly 90 percent since 1988, continuing its leadership in emissions technologies, and will reduce emissions another 90 percent by 2007. The company has launched a full line of engines with the right technologies for each of the markets it serves, laying the foundation for achieving future EPA emissions regulations for both on and off-highway engines. Cummins is the first engine manufacturer to earn EPA certifications for tougher 2004 emissions standards, first certifying the ISB in 2002.

"Cummins is pleased to be working with Thomas Built Bus to launch the ISB into the school bus market," said John Malina, Cummins General Manager, Bus Business. "The ISB's low emissions and quiet operation offers important safety benefits for the students who ride in school buses and the drivers who spend all day in them."

The Cummins ISB is up to 80 percent quieter, offers improved fuel economy, low operating and maintenance costs as well as service familiarity for current Cummins customers. ISB ratings of 215-230 horsepower will be available.

"We've taken the ISB, an engine that has proven worldwide acceptance - with more than three million sold - and improved it in virtually every aspect," said Tom Kieffer, Cummins Executive Director - Marketing. "From reduced engine noise - an important safety factor for school buses, to fuel economy that's increased by as much as two percent, the ISB is an excellent fit for Thomas Built Bus."

Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. 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 23,700 employees worldwide, Cummins reported sales of $5.9 billion in 2002. Press releases can be found by accessing the Cummins home page at www.cummins.com.