ZF bidding for Allison auto transmissions
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• German gearbox and axle manufacturer ZF has signed a contract to buy the Allison Transmission Division from GM.
The deal is expected to be finalised by the end of the year, but it has yet to be ratified by the American and German Governments.
The new company, ZF Allison Corporation is designed to strengthen ZF's presence in the US, particularly in the automatic transmission market.
ZF says it sees obvious synergies between Allison's recently launched WT world transmission — used by Dennis in its Rapier fire engines and refuse vehicles — and the ZF Ecomat autobox which is fitted to a large number of PCVs in the UK.
ZF already supplies US truck and bus makers with gearboxes, axles and steering gear from three production bases in the States. It also has a manufacturing operation and engineerng centre in Michigan.
Allison Europe says it is too early to say how the deal will affect its relationship with ZF in the UK. It is supplying 20 WT transmissions a month to Dennis Eagle for its refuse collection chassis.