Article Summary
Trucking news and briefs for Monday, July 27, 2026:
- Two more OEMs updating DEF software for EPA derate guidance.
- When will Cummins' model-year 2027 engines enter production?
- Vocational medium-, heavy-duty trucks recalled.
Volvo, Mack update DEF software to end 5 mph derates
Volvo Trucks and Mack Trucks on Monday announced updates to their diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) software to increase the minimum speed for DEF-related engine derates, in accordance with updated Environmental Protection Agency guidance.
EPA has also proposed to totally end DEF-related derates, but that rulemaking still has to be finalized before OEMs can put a stop to those derates.
The EPA guidance OEMs can implement extend final inducement speeds from 5 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour and increase the repair window from four hours up to 160 hours.
Volvo Trucks noted that all new Volvo trucks rolling off the assembly line now included the updated DEF inducement software. The company is also rolling out the updated software across in-service truck models, with availability continuing to expand throughout 2027.
Since May, Volvo said it has been producing D13 VGT and D13 TC engines featuring the updated software in the all-new VNL and VNR trucks. Additionally, this updated software has been available in the aftermarket and has already been remotely downloaded into a large population of the new Volvo truck models. Volvo will roll out remote software updates to legacy model year 2024 and newer vehicles by the end of the summer.
The company is also extending the availability of the updates to include all post-2014 model year vehicles by the second quarter of 2027 and all eligible post-2010 model year vehicles by the end of 2027.
Truck models that do not have remote software update capability will be offered the updated software at their local Volvo Trucks dealerships.
Mack Trucks is also rolling out a software update cross its entire vehicle portfolio going back to post-2010 models, the company said.
Mack began incorporating the updated software in May on its Pioneer and new Anthem models equipped with the Mack MP13 engines and will have software updates available for all 2024 and newer vehicles by the end of the summer.
Like Volvo, Mack is also expanding availability of the software updates to include all post-2014 vehicles by the second quarter of 2027. By the end of 2027, owners of all eligible post-2010 vehicles that do not have remote software update capability will be able to receive the updated software through Mack dealers.
[Related: Cummins, Paccar the latest engine makers ending 5-mph DEF derates]
Cummins updates production schedule for MY 2027 X15, X10 engines
Cummins Inc. has unveiled a phased rollout for its model year 2027 on-highway engines following review of the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed emissions regulations changes.
Those proposed changes call for an end to diesel exhaust fluid-related derates while also rolling back extended warranties on emissions equipment.
Based on the proposed rule, Cummins intends to use the implementation flexibilities outlined by EPA to support a measured transition to its new HELM engine platforms. The approach is designed to maintain regulatory compliance, support customer production schedules and provide additional time to ramp production in a manner that helps ensure a successful transition for the industry, the company said.
[Related: EPA 2027 emissions move on warranties, derates: What's your view?]
“Our long-term product strategy has not changed,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Cummins Inc. “This is about improving the transition, not changing the destination. A phased production ramp will allow us to support customers while building confidence in our new products through real-world operation and maintaining our focus on quality.”
For the 2027 X15 engine, Cummins plans to begin limited production in January 2027, based on individual OEM launch plans. Production will ramp up progressively, with full production to begin in Q4 2027. During the transition, Cummins expects its current-generation X15 engine to remain available, providing continued availability as production of the new platform increases.
Cummins’ X10 engine will also go into limited production in January with full production expected to begin by Q3 2027. During the transition, the current X12 and L9 engines used in truck and transit bus applications are expected to remain available.
[Related: EPA to end DEF derates, roll back emissions warranty reg]
International replaces, expands previous battery-related recall
International Motors is recalling more than 15,000 heavy- and medium-duty vocational trucks for a battery-related issue that could cause a fire.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents note that in the affected trucks, the battery interconnect cable may contact the auxiliary stud and hold down bracket, causing a short circuit, increasing the risk of fire.
The recall includes approximately 15,628 model year 2021 and 2023-’27 International MV units and 2026-’27 International HV trucks.
This recall replaces and expands on a previous recall issued in 2025 that included 1,175 model year 2026 International MV trucks. Trucks previously repaired under that recall will need the new remedy completed.
Dealers will install plastic saddles onto the positive interconnect cable and as necessary, install wind laces and a J-bolt between each battery, free of charge.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Sept. 14. Owners can contact International customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with recall number 26510. NHTSA’s recall number is 26V-459.
