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Allison Transmission, the premier global supplier of commercial duty fully automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems, has supplied the hybrid transmission featured in the Volgren-Iveco Hybrid Bus. Working in close cooperation with Iveco and Volgren, Allison has confirmed its continued commitment to the Australian bus market with the unveiling of its sophisticated two-mode parallel hybrid technology at the Maintenance Conference & Bus Expo in Melbourne (29 June, 2009).
Allison manager of sales and marketing for Australia & New Zealand, Robert Cavagnino, says Allison is an increasingly popular choice in the hybrid bus markets both in North America and Europe and this now marks its first foray with the hybrid into Asia.
“Our hybrid propulsion technology expertise is something we’re keen to leverage in Australia,” says Cavagnino. “We have over 2,200 GM-Allison two-mode parallel hybrid equipped buses in service, in over 115 cities worldwide. Combined, they have accumulated over 200,000,000 kms.
“We know there is the demand locally for cleaner, greener solutions within the bus market in Australia. Globally, Allison is a leading supplier of fully automatic transmissions to the bus industry. Almost 50,000 buses were equipped with Allison transmissions in 2008, with nearly 14,000 of those in city buses alone.”
The GM-Allison hybrid system uses two-mode parallel hybrid technology that combines drive from a conventional diesel engine and an electric drive motor. Depending on conditions and vehicle speed, the system’s controller selects the appropriate power source or a blend of both.
The heart of the system is the EV DriveTM unit, an infinitely variable transmission that allows the hybrid system to run quieter, cleaner and more efficiently. Acceleration is also markedly smoother when compared to conventional diesel-powered vehicles and with intelligent process, the GM-Allison hybrid system delivers the best performance and fuel economy across a broad range of driving conditions.
With regenerative braking allowing the vehicle to create additional energy normally lost through braking, the system is particularly well suited to demanding stop-start urban bus routes.
According to Cavagnino, as Allison continues to expand its coverage in Australia, the EV DriveTM Hybrid technology will be an important step forward, with Australian transit authorities and fleet operators already experiencing the benefits of Allison’s fully automatic powershift transmissions.
This first for Asia follows the recent launch of the GM-Allison hybrid system into the UK, where Transport for London is operating 10 Optare Tempo buses.
About Allison Transmission, Inc. (Allison)
Allison Transmission, Inc. (allisontransmission.com) is the premier global provider of commercial duty automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems. Allison products are specified by over 250 of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers and are used in many market sectors including bus, refuse, fire, construction, distribution, military and specialty applications. Founded in 1915, the Allison business is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. and employs 2,700 people. Regional headquarters with dedicated support staff are located in China, The Netherlands, Brazil, India and Japan. With a global presence in 80 countries, Allison has over 1,500 distributor and dealer locations.
Press Enquiries:
Miranda Jansen
Allison Transmission Europe B.V.
Marketing Communications
Baanhoek 188
3361 GN Sliedrecht, The Netherlands
T: +31(0) 78 642 2174
E: miranda.jansen[.]allisontransmission.com.
Prepared by Market Engineering, Europe’s leading communications agency for the automotive, logistics and engineering technology industries.
ALL6111 Australia Hybrid Maintenance Conf 7/7/09
Photographs: Available from Claire Dumbreck by email.
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claire.dumbreck[.]m-eng.com 
