In praise of autos
Page 31
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May I reply to Bob Rust's letter on gearboxes (CM 30 Nov-6 Dec).
Over 25 years ago, a very large oil company in this country operated a fleet of two-axle 16-tonne vehicles with auto gearboxes. Also, a very large brewery had a fleet of vehicles below 16 tonnes with auto gearboxes.
Several multi-drop vehicles at 7,5 tonnes with auto boxes have been manufactured; most refuse vehicles and London black taxi-cabs were automatics, but we still go back to manual gearboxes.
I agree with Bob. I too would prefer not to operate a clutch pedal and gearlever. So, is there anyone who can explain why the manual gearbox is preferred in this country ?
DC Emblen, Cheshunt, Herts.
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