Caterpillar, DaimlerChrysler Unit in Joint Venture

Engine and equipment manufacturer

Caterpillar

(CAT) - Get Report

and the commercial vehicle unit of

DaimlerChrysler

(DCX)

have agreed to jointly develop medium-duty engines, fuel systems and other powertrain components.

The companies said Wednesday the equal partnership deal, signed yesterday, provides the framework for a number of joint ventures, supply agreements and cooperative projects, and is awaiting the consent of U.S. and European regulators.

The medium-duty engine joint venture is expected to generate sales that will grow "significantly" from about $2 billion for the combined parent companies in 2000. Sales from the fuel systems joint venture are expected to nearly triple by mid-decade from a level of about $600 million for the combined companies in 2000. In addition, Peoria, Ill.-based Caterpillar will continue to supply heavy-duty 10-liter to 16-liter engines for DaimlerChrysler's Freightliner companies' trucks.