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Allison eyes alternatives
Page 14
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• by Cohn Barnett
Allison Transmissions is looking at atternative technology to complement its apicyclic/torque converter core products. In an exclusive interview with CM at the recent CV Show. Allison president Lawrence E Dewey confirmed that his company was closely monitoring the European-led rise of automated manual transmissions (AMTs) from both transmission specialists and truck builders.
On their increasing popularity, he said: It's gratifying to see that after 55 years of pushing 'automaticity', others have reached the same conclusion."
Allison's primary research Is currently directed towards diesel/electric hybrids, with a considerable number of units on trial in PSVs near the company's Indianapolis base.
Once the technology has been proven applications will be extended to goods transport, particularly urban deliveries. This sector is also one of the key targets for the most recent additions to Allison's range, the 1000 and 2000 Series of fivespeed fully automatic transmissions for trucks up to 375hp and 13.6 tonnes.
With features such as adaptive electronic control, lock-up on the top four ratios and a pawl-type park brake, these units are becoming more popular in the UK. Although full production has only been achieved in the past few months there are already more than 250 examples in service in the UK, with a number of trucks in build. They are, or soon will be, available on the Daf 45 and 55, Renault Midlum, Iveco Cargo lector and Daily, BMC PRO 618 and Mercedes-Benz Vario.
Referring specifically to this "vital" European market, Dewey said that OEMs and end-users alike were much more "technically savvy" than in Allison's home market.
Although Allison's penetration of some market sectors is almost at saturation point, its traditional products continue to provide the mainstay of its business. In Europe, its new plant in Hungary recently produced its 10,1100th MD unit, 18 months after opening. Allison is also hoping for a significant increase in the UK, boosted by the impending military cargo vehicle contract. Having already secured its part in the Oshkosh/King Trailers heavy equipment transporter consortium, it also features in a number of the tendering participants in the lucrative new contest.