'This dual distribution structure will leverage the best from both parents, ' said CMD's vice-president of worldwide sales and marketing, Gary Dickman. 'E P Barrus has extensive knowledge and relationships with various military accounts as well as a capable service network trained specifically on sterndrive applications. Cummins Diesel UK has tremendous capability with inboard applications for both commercial and recreational applications and will now be able to expand its distribution capability with the MerCruiser diesel product.'

Under the plan, Cummins Diesel UK will supply inboard diesel engines of 15 litres and below, including the MerCruiser inboard and sterndrive diesel engines, along with SmartCraft electronic integration hardware.

Only Barrus will supply the MerCruiser petrol engines and the petrol engine sterndrive programme but both companies will distribute the current 1.7, 2.8 and 4.2 litre diesel engine sterndrive packages plus future diesel engine sterndrives as well as jointly distributing SmartCraft.

Following the CMD joint venture, Cummins Marine retains its high horsepower commercial marine and auxiliary power business while Mercury Marine retains its traditional petrol engine propulsion business.

MJ Information No: 18138