COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) — Cummins Inc. plans to add 500 jobs over several years to build V8 turbo diesel engines for Nissan Motor Co.'s next generation Titan pickup truck, the Columbus-based engine maker said Tuesday.

The expansion will grow the workforce at Cummins' Columbus Engine Plant from 300 currently to an expected level of 800 "over the next several years," Cummins said in a news release.

"The partnership with Nissan on the V8 program benefits not only Cummins employees, but also our community," said Jeff Caldwell, general manager of Cummins' pickup truck business.

Cummins also produces diesel turbo engines for Dodge Ram pickups.

will build its V8 program is planning to add to its current 300-person workforce over the next several years and eventually expects to employ about 800 workers.

Nissan announced separately that a 300-plus horsepower, 5-Liter diesel engine made by Cummins will be available as an option on the next generation Titan. Nissan wouldn't say when the reworked full-size pickup truck will arrive in showrooms, but said the diesel versions are being tested on public roads.

Cummins says it's also developing a version of the V8 turbo diesel for commercial vehicle customers.

Separately, Nissan announced it would offer the 300-plus horsepower, 5-Liter diesel engine made by Cummins as an option in its reworked Titan full-size pickup truck. Nissan wouldn't say when the reworked truck will arrive in showrooms, but said the diesel versions are being tested on public roads.

Diesel engines cost more than gasoline motors, but they get better fuel economy and have more power for hauling and towing. Nissan says mileage tests for the new engine haven't been finished.

Nissan is hoping the new engine, as well as reworked bed and cab configurations, will boost the Titan's slow sales. Through July, Nissan sold only 10,200 Titans, less than 1 percent of the lucrative full-size pickup market, according to Autodata Corp.