Pioneering 10-speed fully automatic transmission incorporates
Allison's torque converter and twin countershaft design to provide
both optimised acceleration and higher fuel economy across a range
of duty cycles.
Indianapolis, Indiana - Allison Transmission has unveiled a new
and unique fully automatic transmission for prime movers at the
2011 Mid-America Truck Show in Louisville, Kentucky.
The highly innovative gearbox, set to debut in North America in
late 2012, has been designed specifically to maximise productivity
and fuel efficiency during both cruising and stop-start
operation.
As the first powershifting, twin countershaft design for
commercial vehicles, the transmission incorporates Allison's proven
torque converter technology to deliver uninterrupted power to the
wheels.
This functionality delivers productivity and fuel efficiency to
stop-and-go portions of a route, while the 10-speed countershaft
architecture offers superior fuel economy during cruising on
highways.
Coupled with the smooth shifting and ease of operation benefits
offered by a fully-automatic, this new technology provides OEMs and
operators with a competitive and fuel efficient alternative to
automated manual gearboxes.
"Initial in-vehicle tests have shown worthwhile gains in fuel
economy, and we achieved increases in vehicle miles-per-workday,"
says Lou Gilbert, Allison Transmission's Director of North American
Market Development.
"Our rigorous testing has also shown this new transmission
offers better fuel economy than an automated manual in the targeted
duty cycle markets for which it was developed."
Continuing Allison's commitment to offer excellent fuel
efficiency, the new transmission will also incorporate a range of
intelligent features including Load Based Shift Schedules (LBSS),
Reduced Engine Load at Stop (RELS) and more. Tuned to the vehicle
powertrain, these features deliver an optimum blend of performance
and economy specific to application, customer need and duty
cycle.
The new development also draws on Allison's extensive experience
to build durable transmissions that minimise whole of life costs,
including the torque converter that cushions and protects the
entire drivetrain, as well as service features such as prognostics
that allow operators to quickly monitor oil and filter life.
At the Mid-America Truck Show, Allison demonstrated a Peterbilt
prime mover incorporating the new transmission for potential
customers to drive and evaluate.
"Once you combine exceptional fuel economy and miles-per-day
with Allison quality, reliability and durability, you've got a
transmission that will redefine tractor performance and operating
efficiencies," concludes Lou Gilbert.
About Allison Transmission
Allison Transmission is the world's largest manufacturer of
fully-automatic transmissions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial
vehicles, medium- and heavy-tactical U.S. military vehicles and
hybrid-propulsion systems for transit buses. Allison transmissions
are used in a variety of applications including on-highway trucks
(distribution, refuse, construction, fire and emergency), buses
(primarily school and transit), motor homes, off-highway vehicles
and equipment (primarily energy and mining) and military vehicles
(wheeled and tracked). Founded in 1915, the Allison business is
headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. and employs
approximately 2,750 people. Regional headquarters with dedicated
support staff are located in China, The Netherlands, Brazil, India
and Japan. With a global presence in 80 countries, Allison has over
1,550 distributor and dealer locations. More information about
Allison is available at www.allisontransmission.com.
For further media information contact:
Jon Thomson
Thomson PR
Ph 0418 641 959
jon@thomsonpr.com.au