Milestone For China Engine JV

MTU Yuchai Power, a joint venture set up between Rolls-Royce Power Systems and the Chinese diesel engine manufacturer Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Co., has produced its first MTU Series 4000 engine as it prepares for the start of series production in Yulin, China.

Final preparations for the completion of the assembly lines for high-volume series production are in full swing, with the large test bench required for engines with power outputs of up to 3500 kW and as many as 20 cylinders currently being calibrated, Rolls-Royce said.

Since the joint venture received the necessary regulatory approvals in 2017, preparations for the start of production have been ongoing. Activities have included modifications to an existing production building in Yulin, the installation of production facilities and workforce training in MTU engine production in Friedrichshafen that will enable Yulin to maintain the same quality standards that apply in Germany and the USA, Rolls-Royce said.

“With the MTU Series 4000 engine, we have precisely the kind of product the market in China requires,” said Rolls-Royce Power Systems President Andreas Schell. “The first engine manufactured in Yulin is an expression of the excellent working relationship and commitment of the joint teams. We are delighted that, in Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Co. we have found a partner that meets our needs precisely.”

The engines, which are designed to be compliant with China’s Tier 3 emissions standards, will primarily target power generation and oil & gas applications in China and Asia.

“We much value the partnership that is aligned with our group strategy of growing international competitiveness,” said Yan Ping, Chairman of Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Co. “We are committed to delivering optimal quality products for a growing customer base in the Chinese and international markets and looking forward to bringing our partnership to the next level.”

The components needed to produce the engines at MTU Yuchai Power will initially come from Germany. Suppliers in China capable of delivering parts of the same quality will gradually be added at a later stage, Rolls-Royce said. “We will accept no compromises in terms of quality and delivery reliability,” Schell said. “It is a responsibility we have towards the MTU brand and our customers.”