JCB to develop 4- and 6-liter diesel engines

JCB announced last week plans to develop its own 4- and 6-liter diesel engines in a partnership with engine specialists Ricardo, AVL, Cosworth and Krause. The new engine will be specifically designed for off-highway construction equipment. For now, JCB will continue to source 1-, 1.5- and 2-liter engines from Perkins. The engine development team will be based at a JCB factory in Staffordshire, England. JCB expects to release the engines in early 2005.