Allison Transmission, a leading designer and manufacturer of conventional and electrified vehicle propulsion solutions and the largest global manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty fully automatic transmissions for commercial and defense vehicles, and Mercedes Benz, the largest German automaker are growing strong in their legacy partnership.
When Lebanon’s garbage crisis hit the headlines in 2015, refuse collection trucks equipped with Allison transmissions were selected because of the advantages of fully automatic transmissions over automated manual transmissions (AMTs) and manual transmissions in the refuse application. When RAMCO and City Blu were awarded new government contracts to assist in the clean-up of the streets, they both purchased Mercedes-Benz Atego trucks with Allison 3000 Series™ transmissions, as recommended by the local Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Allison Transmission’s 3000 Series is designed for medium-duty commercial vehicles. Engineered to adapt and operate efficiently in a variety of applications, this series is available with close- or wide-ratio gearing and up to seven speeds. Engine-driven Power Take-Off (PTO) is available as an option, as is an integral output retarder which provides enhanced vehicle braking and reduces brake wear. Operation is further enhanced by Allison’s advanced electronic controls, which also have prognostics capabilities.
The partnership has been strengthening, not just in the Middle East, but in other parts of the world,. Mercedes Benz and Allison Transmission substantially extended their presence in Indonesia last year, with the sale of over 250 buses.
In addition, Goiania the capital of the State of Goiás in Brazil, purchased 49 Mercedes-Benz Atego 1729 trucks with Allison 3000 Series transmissions. The Companhia de Urbanizaço de Goiânia – Comurg, Goiania’s Urbanization Company, operates them.
Prior to that, during the Municipalia International Exhibition of Municipal Equipment and Services, Allion’s automatic transmissions were once again shown to be an excellent match for CNG engines. Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ Actros NGT, equipped with a CNG engine and an Allison Transmission 3000 Series fully automated transmission, helped to enhance air quality and is much quieter than diesel-powered trucks.
“For very good reason, Mercedes-Benz is offering the Allison gearbox for selected Atego, Zetros and Econic vehicles for many years now. With an Allison gearbox, pretty much everyone able to drive an automatic car will also master a medium or heavy-duty truck,” said Steffen Flad, Head of Sales, Military Vehicles.
“Driving with an Allison transmission in off-road terrain is a pleasure for drivers, as with Allison’s gear shifting there is no disruption in the driveline so wheels are unable to ‘dig in’ to the sand in desert operation. Gear shifting is super-fast, which allows for uninterrupted driving, especially in difficult terrain like sand and desert, thus there’s a low chance of losing momentum as compared to a manual or automated transmission,” said Naveen Sook, Fleetboard Manager and Driver Trainer. “The handover and driver training are fairly simple, as there are not so many features that a driver needs to understand and learn.”
“Experiencing the Mercedes-Benz Atego with Allison transmission as a co-driver in the busy roads of Abu Dhabi really fascinated me in multiple aspects. Its acceleration when entering roundabouts or taking over other vehicles is as quick as driving a passenger car. Due to the smooth and fast gearshift intervals I did not notice any interruptions while braking or accelerating. After I got the chance to drive the Mercedes-Benz Atego with Allison Transmission myself, I am fully convinced that anyone who can drive a car could drive a truck with this automatic gearshift system,” said Leoni Huge, Marketing Executive.
Allison Transmission and Mercedes Benz have maintained uninterrupted product delivery thanks to their continuing dedication, resilience, and relentless efforts. The companies have promised the same quality, reliability, and durability, continuing on the legacy.