(Yicai Global) Oct. 20 -- Beiqi Foton Motor Co. [SHA:600166] has signed a deal with Cummins Inc. [NYSE:CMI] to work on new-energy smart trucks and initiate the second stage of China's super truck plan, a bid to up efficiency and cut emissions.

China's first-generation super truck, Foton Daimler Automotive Co.'s Auman EST, has a world-class power and transmission system and reduced fuel consumption by 5 to 10 percent, increasing freight efficiency by as much as 30 percent and cutting carbon emissions by 10 percent, domestic media reported.

The US Department of Energy was first to unveil a super truck program. It released the SuperTruck II last year to more than double cargo efficiency.

The deal agreed between Cummins and Foton marks the beginning of the second phase of China's own super truck plan. Foton Daimler will continue to push on in new energy, intelligent driving and the Internet of Vehicles to build safe, eco-friendly high-end trucks. The second-generation Auman EST will modernize China's logistics sector and transform the domestic commercial vehicle industry.