When Maged Tadros stepped onto the Brisbane Truck Show floor, it was his first visit to Australia. As Cummins’ Executive Director of Global Truck, Bus and Propulsion Strategy, based in Columbus, Indiana, Tadros came with a global view on the challenges and opportunities facing heavy vehicle powertrains.
With 21 years at Cummins, he has seen the industry shift from predominantly mechanical engines to today’s broad portfolio of technologies, all while maintaining the brand’s core promise of dependability.
“From the outside it may not seem like much changes, but inside Cummins the evolution is constant,” Tadros explained. “Reliability and durability remain a constant, but we’re always adapting to new emissions standards, new markets, and customer demands.”
Navigating Global Emissions
Tadros outlined the patchwork of emissions standards that shape engine development. From EPA rules in North America, to Euro 6 and Euro 7 in Europe, to China’s NS6 and NS7 standards, the global landscape is complex.
Australia only moved to Euro 6 this year, putting it slightly behind leading markets. But Tadros stressed that even Euro 6 trucks are “super clean”, especially compared to older vehicles still operating in many fleets.
Emerging markets such as India and Brazil are expected to reach Euro 7-equivalent standards later in the decade, with timelines still under discussion.
Multiple Technologies, One Goal
The most urgent challenge globally is decarbonisation. Tadros said Cummins is investing across a wide range of technologies, including internal combustion engines, natural gas, hydrogen, hybrids, battery electric and fuel cells.
“The question is how to get there in a practical way. Internal combustion will be around for quite some time—forever in some regions. But we’re also working on battery-electric and hydrogen solutions,” Tadros said.
He described this strategy as providing choice for OEMs and end users, depending on their market, infrastructure and operating conditions.
Fleet Age and Turnover
Australia’s older truck fleet was another topic of discussion. While the average truck age locally sits around 15 years, Tadros noted stark differences worldwide.
“In Colombia, I heard the average truck age is 21 and a half years. In North America, some fleets keep trucks for just five years before upgrading to improve fuel efficiency and bottom line. It really depends on the business case,” he said.
Cummins’ reputation for durability plays into this, with many operators holding onto trucks for decades.
Impressions of Australia
Meeting Australian customers left a strong impression on Tadros.
“Australia is unique. The conditions are harsh, the road trains are something you don’t see anywhere else. Hearing how customers and OEMs talk about Cummins here makes me proud. Our philosophy is partnership—if the end user and OEM are successful, Cummins is successful,” he said.
He left the Brisbane Truck Show hoping to return soon, carrying with him a deeper understanding of what Australian operators need from their powertrains as the global transition to cleaner transport gathers pace.
