Allison Transmission to supply automatic transmissions for Moscow bus fleet

BEDFORD, UK January 6, 2006; Allison Transmission has been awarded the contract to supply 320 Torqmatic™ fully automatic transmissions to Russian bus fleet operator Mostransavto. Installed in the Liaz 5256 bus chassis, Allison Transmission was selected for its reliability, performance and the comfortable ride achieved through smoother shifting. With Allison now available as an option in seven different Liaz chassis, the order confirms Allison's growing position in Russia.

"We are delighted to secure this significant contract with Mostransavto," says Peter van Cuyk, Allison's Area Manager, Western Europe, Russia and South Africa. "Since setting up our authorized distributor NDGS in 2003, we have been able to offer our Russian customers the service and local support they deserve. The benefits our transmission delivers are relevant all over the world."

To fully evaluate the transmissions, components were installed in 18 prototype buses. The real-world testing carried out on the actual city routes convinced the operator of the value of choosing Allison. "They quickly discovered our product offered drivers more control of the vehicle, which helps improve confidence and safety. Together with the smoother shifting, this makes for a better passenger experience," says van Cuyk.

Transmissions will be produced at the Allison facility in Szentgottard, Hungary. Each transmission will be filled with Allison TranSynd synthetic fluid. Together with superior component protection, TranSynd increases drain time intervals by up to 400%. "With fewer maintenance stops, it becomes easier to manage the fleet," continues van Cuyk. "It's also better for the environment, disposing less waste oil over the vehicle life."

Allison's activities in Russia form part of its continued global growth in the bus sector. Following orders this year for 2,200 Torqmatic transmissions in Beijing, the introduction of the 400th hybrid drivetrain in North America and new release for the UK's Plaxton Primo and Alexander Dennis school buses, Allison predicts further significant orders in the coming months.

Notes

Allison is trusted by more users and fleet managers worldwide than any other supplier of automatic commercial vehicle gearboxes. Founded in 1915, it now has over 1500 outlets providing support for customers in almost every part of the world. Allison transmissions are used around the world in many market sectors including bus, refuse, fire, construction, distribution, and military. The latest development for Allison Transmission is a hybrid drive system for a bus that will significantly improve urban fuel efficiency, and provide lower emissions.