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Get to Know Detroit

Dating back to 1938, Detroit Diesel, or better known since 2011 as Detroit, has a long-standing history of developing diesel engines that last. They offer a complete line of heavy-duty diesel engines, axles, transmissions, safety systems, and connected vehicle services for the commercial transportation industry. Their engines are used in many vehicles including Thomas Built Buses and feature power and best-in-class fuel economy.

Detroit’s History

Born in the Great Depression, General Motors created the GM Diesel Division, and that same year they released their first series engines, Series 71. These engines were built because tanks, landing craft, road building equipment, and stand by generators needed compact, lightweight, two-cycle engines. The engines proved to be successful and during a time where jobs were hard to come by, they were able to employ around 4,300 employees.

Even after World War II ended and the demand for engines that could be used in vehicles like tanks started to decline, the business still continued to grow. In 1988 a joint venture between Penske Corporation and General Motors created Detroit Diesel Corporation. Just shortly after they became publicly traded on the stock market in 1993 and then was sold to DaimlerChrysler in 2000.

Under new ownership, they have had many changes and accomplishments, including a new name, celebrating 75 years and a complete refurbish and retool of their Detroit facility. More recently, in 2007 they launched their DD engine platform.

Engines Used in Thomas Built Buses

Daimler Trucks North America is a Daimler Company that produces and markets commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Western Star, and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Detriot engines are used in these vehicles to provide power and better fuel economy. Read below to learn more about the DD8 engine used in the Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX and the DD5 engine used in the Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2.

Detroit DD8 Engine

The Detroit DD8 engine is a 7.7L in-line six-cylinder medium-duty engine, specifically developed for the Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX. With a horsepower range of 260 to 300 HP and a torque range of 660-860 pounds per foot.

Detroit DD5 Engine

The DD5 engine is a 5.1L in-line four-cylinder engine adapted specifically for the Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2. It provides a 200-240 horsepower range and a torque range of 560 to 660 pounds per foot.

The experts at Kerlin Bus Sales and Leasing understand the importance an engine has on the life-span of a bus. Give them a call to learn more and find the right bus for you.