Cummins, which employs 1, 200 people in Daventry, said worldwide demand for its heavy duty vehicle and marine engines had fallen and costs had to be cut.

BBC: Cummins engine firm cuts 98 jobs

The growth momentum of the heavy-duty truck sector has been declining since 2010 when China surpassed the million-vehicle mark in terms of heavy-duty truck sales.

FORBES: Making Sense Of China's Numbers

Unlike the light-duty vehicle market, most medium- and heavy-duty truck purchasers operate on slim profit margins where fuel costs are a major factor in their economic survival.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Heavy duty trucks are generally defined as those with a gross vehicle weight of 15 tons or more.

FORBES: China's Insatiable Appetite For Heavy-Duty Trucks

In addition to medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses which are clearly used by businesses, commercial vehicle numbers in China include sales of light trucks and mini trucks and buses, many of which are used by individuals and small businesses.

FORBES: China's key economic indicator: auto sales