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Daimler outboxes ZF
Page 16
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• When Daimler-Benz finally launches its long-awaited new heavy trucks at the end of next year they will feature the company's own gearboxes.
ZF gearboxes are currently fitted as standard in all Mercedes 1635 and 1644 Powerliners, but D-B is committed to developing its own heavy truck drivelines, and the company's EPS electropneumatic gearchange system will supersede ZF Ecosplit 16-speed transmissions on the new range.
Daimler-Benz already builds its own GV4 12-speed gearbox for 1625 and 1628 tractive units. The GV4 splitter box is produced at D-B's Gaggenau plant and any new gearboxes are also likely to be built there. D-B says it will continue to fit EPS as standard on all premium 1635 and 1644 trucks.
The German truck builder is keeping characteristically quiet over exactly when its replacement range will be launched, but it is thought that righthand-drive models will debut at the Birmingham Motor Show scheduled for autumn next year.
D-B's decision comes as ZF is trying hard to sell its own Easy Shift electro-pneumatic gearshift system which is based on the Ecosplit.
Although no manufacturers have yet committed themselves to fit Easy Shift, ZF says that it is talking to a number of truck and bus builders, including MAN.
ZF says it "should be possible" to order an Easy Shift in the Ecosplit-equipped new Leyland Daf 95 Series.