Allison aims to shift boxes
Page 12
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• by Peter Lawton Allison wants the start-up production of its new transmissions to match total sales for 1999 and to quadruple in the near future.
Production of the latest 1000 and 2000 Series fully automatic transmissions is expected to hit 140.000 units, with sharp increases to follow. The company is relying on increasing demand from operators aided by falling prices from manufacturers fitting its units on their production lines.
Although acceptance from manufacturers has been varied, Allison says attitudes are changing and choices for operators are always improving. The customer list for the 1000 Series is growing, while TIN Logistics has taken the first 2000 for its Boots contract.
The Allison-equipped Boots Daf 55 was on hand at a recent ride and drive day for customers, and response was very favourable. Allison was aiming to win orders from the likes of UPS, White Arrow and Coca Cola.
Featuring the same design characteristics as the 1000, the 2000 has taller ratios for heavier trucks and a maximum power capacity of 300hp. The 1000's maximum power rating is 40hp more thanks to strong US demand for high power-toweight ratios on pickups. Most would agree Allison's verdict that 300hp capacity with the 2000 is enough to cope with the vast majority of UK applications.
The two transmissions both incorporate lock-up from second to fifth, neutral lock-up and helical gearing.
As with the 1000 Series, the 2000 Series features adaptive technology designed to cope with variations in driving conditions such as load and driver to keep the transmission in the with most suitable gear.
Allison says the vast majority of customers who have automatic transmissions retrofitted for trials come back and place orders for more.
The cost of a retro-fit varies depending on the manufacturer, but is generally carried out by Allison's distributors with prices starting at around £4,200.
• For driving impressions of the 1000 Series see CM 1218 August 1999.