Allison technology aids CNG-powered buses during launch and cruise; clean
operation and quiet performance pleases fleet owners and passengers.
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Allison Transmission, Inc., the
world's leading supplier of commercial duty fully automatic transmissions
and hybrid propulsion systems, is also a leading supplier of automatic
transmissions for compressed natural gas-powered (CNG) buses. Allison has
been a leader in developing automatic transmissions for city transit buses
for more than 60 years, engineering products for diesel, hybrid and CNG
applications to meet a growing worldwide demand for affordable, efficient
mass transit.
That leadership continues today with cities all over the world adding
CNG-powered buses to their public transportation fleets. Not only does this
alternative fuel source burn 90 percent cleaner than diesel fuel, it is
also less costly, which is a significant concern as the price of diesel
continues to spiral upward.
"An Allison automatic transmission is an enabler for use of CNG engines
in city bus applications," says Lawrence A. Love, Executive Director of
Allison International Marketing. "Unlike a diesel engine, CNG engines have
different operating characteristics and are not as responsive during
launch. Allison torque converter technology aids the CNG engine during
vehicle start-up by multiplying engine torque and smoothly delivering power
to the drive wheels. As a result, with an Allison, the bus gets good
performance and makes the most efficient use of fuel, which is vital in an
era of rising fuel costs."
"In addition, most CNG engines are not capable of using an exhaust
brake or delivering the same level of engine braking capability as a
diesel," says Love. "However, the Allison transmission output retarder
compensates for this by providing seamless auxiliary braking to improve
overall vehicle braking capability and reduce service brake wear."
Earlier this year, TATA Motors in India purchased 655 CNG-powered buses
configured with Allison automatics for Delhi Transport Corporation. Drivers
and passengers alike are raving about the smooth, comfortable ride, while
DTC fleet managers enjoy lower maintenance and operational costs because
there is less wear and tear on critical engine and driveline components.
In addition to this contract win in India, Allison Transmission is the
number one provider of automatic transmissions for CNG- and
conventional-powered buses in China.
During the 2008 Summer Olympics last month in Beijing, China, for
example, a team of Allison experts were on hand to make sure that the
12,000 Allison transmissions in service in Beijing continued to operate
faithfully. Many of these buses are equipped with CNG engines. Allison
employees established a command center bringing in a support team and
replacement parts, and manned a sophisticated logistics and communications
program in support of the games.
Across the United States, the environmental benefits of Allison
automatics mated with CNG engines are recognized. Used primarily on the
west coast because of stringent emission laws, CNG buses with Allison
transmissions are operating in large cities such as Los Angeles and San
Diego, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada. In fact, CNG engines are
specified almost exclusively in Los Angeles. Notably, the majority of the
North American bus OEMs offer the Allison/CNG combination.
In addition to India, China, and the U.S., CNG-powered city transit
buses equipped with Allison transmissions are now in use in many other
countries around the world including Japan, Russia, Peru and Australia.
"The environmental benefits of CNG buses in terms of lower emissions
and cleaner air are clear," says Manlio Alvaro, Allison Marketing Manager
for Europe. "Equally clear is that mating those buses with Allison
transmissions means a smoother launch and ride for passengers, and longer
operational time and lower maintenance costs for bus fleet operators."
Allison Transmission, Inc. (Allison) headquartered in Indianapolis,
Indiana employs 3,600 people and was founded in 1915. Allison is the
premier global provider of commercial and military duty automatic
transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems. More information is available
at http://www.allisontransmission.com.
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