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gives the final verdict Foden has adopted the same automated
Page 51
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set-up used in the Daf, but in this case it's attached to a Cummins engine. Early versions of the ZF AS-Tronic fitted to Renaults were a little jerky but, since being adopted by more manufacturers, ZF has made some updates which have resulted in a cleverer and driver-friendly automated box.
It will be interesting to see which manufacturer wins the race to join lveco in delivering an automated transmission as standard. The matching of AS-Tronic and Cummins should prove fruitful — based on our experience the two are well suited. But whether or not operators take it up remains to be seen. There's no doubting it improves the driver's lot, but against that is a £2.200 (ex-VAT) premium. And, if it goes wrong, little can be done apart from calling in the dealer.
Foden takes pride in building `bespoke' vehicles and this, along with a smaller backup network than other manufacturers, puts off some of the bigger fleet operators, But that's changing: ask supermarket giant Morrisons, which has taken one on trial.