MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Cummins Inc. announced its complete product lineup for the school bus market at the National Association for Pupil Transportation trade show on Tuesday.
Officials said these diesel and natural gas engines are designed to meet the 2014 U.S. EPA greenhouse gas (GHG) and fuel-efficiency standards a full year early.
New regulations from the EPA and the U.S. Department of Transportation will institute equivalent carbon dioxide and fuel-efficiency standards for commercial vehicle engines beginning in 2014. All of Cummins' on-highway products will meet these standards Jan. 1, 2013.
"Cummins continues to show customers our commitment to being better where it counts for their business,” said Tom Hodek, general manager, North American bus business. “We are delivering products with better fuel economy, reliability and durability that, in turn, will meet the 2014 GHG and fuel-efficiency standards a year early. This pioneering capability as a leader in diesel engine technology emphasizes our longstanding commitment to bring cleaner and more fuel efficient products to the market for our customers."
For 2013, Cummins will offer the school bus market two diesel-powered engines — the ISB6.7 and ISL9.
The ISB6.7 is driven by the High Pressure Common Rail fuel system, VGT turbocharger and fully integrated electronic controls. The 2013 ISL9 features the XPI fuel system to maximize fuel economy and performance while decreasing exhaust emissions to near-zero levels.
The ISB6.7 has ratings of 200 hp to 300 hp (149-224 kW), and the ISL9 has ratings of 260 hp to 370 hp (194-276 kW). Both engines also feature the Cummins Aftertreatment System from Cummins Emission Solutions, which integrates a diesel particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction.
Officials said onboard diagnostics (OBD) will be included on the diesel engine lineup for 2013 as well. OBD monitors emissions-related engine systems and components, and alerts the operator of any malfunctions. OBD is designed to further enhance the engine and operating system by providing early detection of emissions-related faults.
The 2013 Cummins Westport ISL G natural gas engine will remain in the Cummins product portfolio for the school bus market. The spark-ignited ISL G, which shares 80% of common components with its diesel counterpart, the ISL9, delivers low-end torque, transient response and quiet operation, according to the company. It also features a passive Three-Way Catalyst aftertreatment system, which is maintenance-free and packaged as a part of the muffler.
Cummins said it will offer a base warranty, with new 10-year extended coverage options available.
Cummins announces 2013 school bus engine lineup
The diesel options are the ISB6.7 and ISL9, which feature onboard diagnostics and the Cummins Aftertreatment System, which integrates a diesel particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction. The Cummins Westport ISL G natural gas engine features a passive Three-Way Catalyst aftertreatment system.
More Maintenance
2026 School Bus Fleet Vendor Directory & Buyer's Guide
Searching for the right equipment, technology, or services for your school transportation program? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers across the entire school bus market, all in one place. Download it to find the partners who can help move your operation forward.
Read More →2026 School Bus Maintenance Survey
What top challenges are school bus maintenance teams facing in 2026? Explore new trends from School Bus Fleet’s annual maintenance survey covering fleet composition and age, fuel types, used vs. new purchasing patterns, technician pay and certifications, and the impact of the driver shortage. Survey sponsor: Dayton Parts.
Read More →
Fleetio Launches AI-Powered Maintenance Service Advisor
The company’s new AI tool helps fleet managers approve repairs faster, prioritize maintenance, and reduce shop time across high-volume fleets.
Read More →
Maintenance Must-Haves: Shop Products We Love
From tire changers and diagnostics to wash systems and brake tech, these maintenance must-haves save time, reduce strain, and keep school bus shops running efficiently.
Read More →
7 Key Criteria for Choosing a School Bus Fleet Technology Partner
Selecting a fleet technology partner can be complex, especially with evolving operational demands and limited resources. This white paper outlines seven key criteria to help school transportation leaders evaluate options and align technology with their needs. It offers a practical framework to support more informed decision-making.
Read More →
The Real Cost of Bus Fleet Downtime
When school bus communication systems fail, the consequences extend far beyond equipment repairs. Downtime can increase safety risks, strain dispatch operations, and erode driver confidence. Explore how proactive radio lifecycle management and managed services are reducing disruptions, supporting driver retention, and delivering predictable budgeting for school transportation fleets.
Read More →
Take a Brake: How School Bus Air Disc, Drum & Hydraulic Systems Compare
Is it time to rethink your school bus brake system? Let’s break down cost, performance, maintenance, and real-world fleet experiences.
Read More →
Bendix Announces 2026 Brake Training Sessions
Bendix’s 2026 training program will bring in-person and virtual brake system courses to technicians across the country, focusing on air brake fundamentals and advanced safety technologies.
Read More →
School Bus Maintenance in 2026: Costs, Tech & Workforce Gaps
As gasoline use rises, maintenance teams face tighter budgets, limited training, and slow wage growth. This and more trends and analysis in our annual survey report. Survey sponsor: Dayton Parts.
Read More →
BendPak Launches New Tire Changers and Wheel Balancers
APEX by BendPak expands its tire service lineup with new swing-arm tire changers and wheel balancers designed for school bus and light-duty fleet maintenance operations.
Read More →
