Economy and Efficiency Drive at the IAA

SLIEDRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS - July 30, 2008: Allison Transmission, the premier global provider of commercial duty automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems, will use this year’s IAA to highlight ways for operators and OEMs to increase efficiency and environmental performance through the use of a fully-automatic gearbox or hybrid powertrain.

The firm will explain the unique characteristics of a full powershifting transmission and torque converter, and how it is being used to maximise performance and economy. Allison will also explain why expanded global use of CNG powered trucks and buses is driving increased demand for automatic transmissions. “OEMs and end users are discovering that an Allison gearbox can increase performance and economy in a CNG powered vehicle,” says Larry Love, executive director, International Marketing. “At IAA, we’ll provide details of how our transmission optimises the power available together with examples from distribution, municipal and bus applications. A fully-automatic brings added reliability and operating performance benefits to the driver and fleet manager alike.”

The firm will also present updates to its hybrid system, electronic controls and maintenance software to deliver improved fuel economy and lower operating costs. In fact, visitors to the IAA show will have the opportunity to see the Solaris 18 Urbino hybrid equipped with the latest GM-Allison two-mode hybrid system. Advancements in the entire powertrain, including the adoption of a new, smaller Cummins engine have resulted in a further improvement in fuel economy and emissions. Allison's new prognostics will also be on hand at the Allison stand. The software, available from July 2008, informs the driver or fleet manager of transmission health and when an oil or filter change is required. As well as the environmental benefit and cost of reducing the oil change frequency, the system provides maintenance managers with information to better plan vehicle maintenance.

Visitors to the Allison Building at the outdoor location E54 will have the opportunity to attend short interactive presentations about hybrid technology, fuel efficiency, and advanced prognostics. These sessions highlight ways that Allison can drive efficiency in distribution, construction, specialty and bus applications. “Allison is working hard to extract the best performance from a powertrain in any application,” continues Love. “We welcome OEMs, end users and operators to visit our stand to learn how an Allison can improve efficiency in their application. We have a recent example where we reduced fuel consumption by 25 percent in a yard tractor application. Our Allison team is committed to providing the automatic experience with an unrivalled combination of Quality, Reliability, Vocational Value, and Customer Service.