SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

October 23, 2012
2 min to read


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.

More Maintenance

zonar system image
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

What Data Shows About Student Transportation in 2026

Driver shortages, safety expectations, and staffing limits define student transportation in 2026. New survey data shows how fleet leaders are responding.

Read More →
Fleet manager reviews maintenance and performance data on dual computer monitors.
MaintenanceApril 27, 2026

How School Bus Fleets are Getting Ahead of Breakdowns

Don’t let bus downtime wear you down. Here’s how bus operators are shifting from manual processes to AI-powered, data-driven maintenance systems for improved reliability and safety.

Read More →
zonar system image
SponsoredApril 20, 2026

2026 State of Student Transportation Report

Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.

Read More →
Transfinder promotional graphic featuring “P.A.Y.S. – Pay As You Save” surrounded by icons of school transportation operations (bus, maps, calendar, clock, documents, and money), with tagline about saving time, money, and headaches in school transportation.
SponsoredApril 16, 2026

How Transfinder Technology P.A.Y.S. (Pays as You Save) Saving Time, Money and Headaches in School Transportation Operations

Transportation leaders say when their districts implemented Transfinder's AI enhanced logistics technology, it paid for itself in financial savings, time savings and operational headache reductions (OHR). In this white paper transportation experts share specific ways they have experienced how Transfinder P.A.Y.S. (Pay As You Save) off. Each, in their own way, said transportation technology is not simply a software purchase — it’s a strategic investment in operational efficiency, cost containment and staff satisfaction.

Read More →
Row of yellow school buses with overlay text reading “The essential guide to school bus fleet maintenance: Maximizing safety and uptime” and the Geotab logo.
SponsoredApril 1, 2026

Data-Driven School Bus Maintenance Guide

Stop reacting to engine lights and start predicting them. This guide reveals how transitioning from a "break-fix" model to a data-driven maintenance strategy can drastically reduce fleet downtime and protect your district's budget. Learn how to transform your garage operations from a cost center into a reliability powerhouse.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Buyers Guide and Directory thumbnail
SponsoredMarch 13, 2026

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 thumbnail
SponsoredMarch 13, 2026

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 →
School Bus Maintenance in 2026: Costs, Tech & Workforce Gaps
MaintenanceMarch 13, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
A purple and white Fleetio graphic with text reading "Fleetio Introduces AI Service Advisor."
Maintenanceby Staff and News ReportsMarch 13, 2026

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 →