Traton Unifies Global R&D Efforts for Enhanced Innovation

Traton is set to place a stronger emphasis on developing modular components applicable across various brands. This concept isn’t new; scania has been utilizing a modular platform system for about four decades now.

As an example, International’s S13 integrated powertrain was one of the pioneering collaborations showcasing this modular approach. A spokesperson highlighted how it exemplifies cross-brand synergy within Traton.

With approximately 3,000 R&D personnel based in North America alone—spread across facilities in Lisle (Illinois), New Carlisle (Indiana), San Antonio (Texas), Rochester hills (Michigan), and Escobedo (Mexico)—International is well-positioned for innovation.

Their headquarters reside in Lisle while their proving grounds are located in New Carlisle. rochester Hills focuses on battery-electric truck research.

Production for the S13 powertrain kicked off at Huntsville’s Alabama plant back in October 2023.

This powertrain includes not just the S13 engine but also features like T14 automated transmission along with an aftertreatment system designed for future zero-emission vehicles.

Thanks to this modular design philosophy, about 80% of the common base engine remains consistent worldwide; only minor adjustments account for local variations.

In late 2023, International expanded its Huntsville facility by adding another 110,000 square feet—bringing its total size up to an extraordinary footprint of over 410,000 square feet—to accommodate increased production demands.

Scania began rolling out its version of this common base engine back in early 2022 followed by MAN’s introduction a year later.

Notably, International’s S13 marks their first venture into selective catalytic reduction technology as a primary means for emissions control—eliminating exhaust gas recirculation coolers enhances overall efficiency considerably.

The dual-stage aftertreatment system effectively manages nitrogen oxide emissions through selective catalytic reduction alongside diesel particulate filters targeting particulate matter emissions.

This innovative powertrain made waves during an update declaration for LT Series trucks back in August 2022 when executives claimed it could improve fuel efficiency by up to an impressive margin compared with earlier models like A26 introduced five years prior.