During a media event held during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week, the Cummins-Meritor team discussed the integration of Cummins with Meritor, their strategies, and what future holds as the new Cummins-Meritor moves forward. Alan Rabadi, general manager, global aftermarket and business development, Cummins-Meritor, kicked off the talking points. Here were the biggest takeaways from the meeting.
Integration: It’s about people and processes
One year into the merger, the primary focus has been on integrating the personnel and systems of the two companies. Efforts have been made to balance the representation of legacy Cummins and Meritor employees. The integration process has been described as seamless from a customer standpoint, which is notable considering the complexities involved in merging large organizations.
Technology isn’t just a talking point
Post-merger, Cummins-Meritor is focusing on a dual-approach strategy in technology development, which involves enhancing traditional diesel engine technology while also exploring and investing in alternative power sources. Cummins continues to prioritize advancements in diesel engine technology. This includes developing cleaner, more efficient diesel engines that meet evolving emissions standards and operational efficiency demands.
In parallel, Cummins-Meritor is exploring alternative power sources such as battery and fuel cell technologies. The development of these technologies is not just about replacement of traditional power sources but complementing them in various applications. There’s also interest in hybrid solutions, according to the company. The team noted that hybrid solutions can offer flexibility and efficiency, especially in diverse operational environments.
Overall, Cummins-Meritor aims to offer a more comprehensive range of products. This expansion includes enhancing existing product lines and introducing innovative solutions that address current and future market needs.
eCommerce continues to grow
One of the primary focuses has been on improving the speed and usability of the e-commerce platform. This involves optimizing backend processes and adopting more efficient image formats to enhance the overall user experience. A fast and intuitive platform is crucial for customers who need to quickly find and order parts. Cummins-Meritor has actively sought and incorporated customer feedback into their e-commerce redesign. The revamped homepage emphasizes ease of navigation and immediate access to parts search, acknowledging the importance of user-centric design in digital platforms.
eCommerce also needs robust product information to ensure that fleets are getting the right part. By significantly increasing the cross-reference capabilities, Cummins-Meritor aims to allows customers to find compatible parts easily. This expansion is particularly beneficial in the heavy-duty truck industry, where finding exact matches for parts can be complex. This includes the introduction of a price and availability widget on product detail pages. Additionally, 360-degree images offer customers a comprehensive view of products, enhancing their ability to make informed purchasing decisions.
The Cummins-Meritor Aftermarket strategy going forward
In addition to the aforementioned broadening of its product portfolio, Cummins-Meritor aims to invest in manufacturing and remanufacturing with a focus on efficiency. These investments are intended to increase production capacity (as indicated by the goal to manufacture a higher volume of brake shoes) and enhance efficiency. Remanufacturing also plays a key role in sustainability efforts, offering customers cost-effective and environmentally friendly options.
Cummins-Meritor is also leveraging its combined resources to advance in areas like rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, and the development of new reman processes. This focus on innovation is not only about creating new products but also about improving the efficiency and effectiveness of existing offerings.
Of course, customer feedback will be crucial to future planning. The company noted that this approach ensures that Cummins-Meritor’s offerings are closely aligned with market needs and customer expectations. It’s all about balancing their focus between legacy and new technologies. While Cummins-Meritor continues to invest in and support traditional technologies (like diesel engines), they are also exploring new technologies and solutions that cater to evolving market demands, such as low carbon fuels and new powertrain solutions.
