Allison Transmission Inc. - Experts & Thought Leaders

In Bursa, Turkey’s fourth-largest city, the Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department has added 10 new Mercedes-Benz Atego fire trucks equipped with Allison fully automatic transmissions to the fleet. These new vehicles, which are scheduled for delivery in 2025, will be used in a wide range of critical missions, from firefighting to search and rescue. This new acquisition, made in line with the gratification gained from the previously used Mercedes-Benz Atego vehicle equipped with Allison 3000™ Series fully automatic transmission in the current fleet, aims to enhance vehicle performance and operational efficiency. Urbanization and industrial zones With its population exceeding 3.2 million, Bursa, which stands out with dense urbanization and industrial zones, has responded to a total of 21,670 emergency incidents in 2024. Operating with 30 fire stations, 675 personnel, and 136 vehicles, the Bursa Fire Department responds not only to fires but also to traffic accidents, natural disasters, forest fires, and floods. Covering a duty area of 10,866 square kilometers, the department has planned for its new vehicles to be actively deployed, especially in urban firefighting, search and rescue operations, where there are major challenges such as heavy traffic and restricted maneuverability. Been Tried Before, Convinced: Decision to Continue with Allison Canalp Berkdemir, Chief of the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department, has stated that based on the positive performance feedback from the previously used Mercedes-Benz Atego fire truck equipped with an Allison fully automatic transmission, they have decided to make the new investment with Allison-equipped vehicles as well. He has added that this choice was reaffirmed due to the user-friendly driving experience, minimal failure rate and high operational efficiency offered by the Allison fully automatic transmission. The new 7-unit municipal firefighting vehicles and 3-unit ladder fire trucks which will be joining the fleet consist of Mercedes-Benz Atego 1630 vehicles equipped with Rosenbauer superstructures, 6-cylinder Euro 6 diesel engines and Allison 3000 fully automatic transmissions. With 300 horsepower and 1000 Nm torque, the trucks have a load capacity of 16 tonnes, and they can reach a maximum speed of 90 km per hour. Furthermore, the vehicles have fully equipped features such as pump-and-roll (pumping while in motion), water tanks for firefighting and protection and other advanced systems. A Solution in Line with Growing Emergency Response Needs of Bursa Bursa’s quickly increasing population and expanding residential areas oblige fire crews to operate across wider and more diverse geographical regions. This makes swift response even more critical for timely interventions. In such demanding conditions, Allison fully automatic transmissions give response crews —who are racing against time— an advantage with high traction power, rapid acceleration and smooth gear shifting. Continuous power delivery supports achieving higher average speeds. Without any concern for manual gear shifting, the drivers can maintain superior control over the vehicle and the road, allowing them to focus on the mission with confidence. Choice Based on Efficiency For the Bursa Fire Department, vehicle operating time is of utmost importance. Allison fully automatic transmissions help the vehicles stay operational longer, spend less time in service and reduce total cost of ownership. Berk Gönenç, Sales Director of Allison Transmission for Turkey, the Middle East, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), has underlined that the restored preference of a leading organization such as the Bursa Fire Department is one of the clearest beacons of trust in Allison transmissions. He has stated: “Every second is of vital importance in emergency response. Allison fully automatic transmissions, with Continuous Power Technology and rapid acceleration, support the crews reach the scene faster and more reliably. Furthermore, by minimizing driver-related variations and offering superior maneuverability under challenging road conditions, Allison transmissions enhance continuity in fire department operations. We strongly believe that Bursa Fire Department’s decision in this regard is an important step for operational efficiency and crew safety.”

The professional fire department of the city of Vienna has purchased six new all-terrain Tatra Force T815-7 4x4 fire engines as ‘TLFA 3000’ water tenders with Rosenbauer bodies, 6-cylinder Cummins diesel engines and Allison 4500 fully automatic transmissions. The vehicles were specified to achieve maximum robustness, superior off-road capability and responsiveness, while at the same time increasing vehicle control and comfort for the crew, for use in forest and vegetation fires as well as for disaster situations with destroyed or flooded roads. Unmatched Performance In order to be able to move an 18-tonner quickly and in a controlled manner over extremely rough terrain during an emergency, engine power and torque must be fully transferred to the wheels. Allison's fully automatic transmission with its torque converter and uninterrupted full-power shifts provides excellent acceleration and continuous traction. Thomas Huber, Chief Fire Officer at the Vienna Professional Fire Department, says: “We need uncompromising performance and operational readiness. Our drivers must be able to rely on the performance of the vehicles and have them under control at all times. A fully automatic transmission makes the work of our emergency services much easier. The intelligent transmission logic thinks for itself and supports the driver both on the road and, above all, off-road."   Firefighting Powerhouse The 18-tonne Tatra Force 815-7 4x4 water tenders with a body by Austrian manufacturer Rosenbauer are powered by a 6-cylinder Cummins diesel engine and an Allison 4500 fully automatic transmission. The engine is rated at 291 kW and the truck reaches a top speed of 100 km/h. The all-wheel drive delivers off-road capability at all times. The vehicle has a water passage capability of 120 cm and a hill-climbing capability of 68%. The extinguishing water tank holds 3,200 litres plus 300 litres for self-protection. Thanks to the pump-and-roll function, the extinguishing process can run while the vehicle is being driven.  Legacy of Protection Covering an area of 415 square kilometres, it covers both inner-city areas as well as large, forested areas The Vienna Professional Fire Department was established in 1686, making it the oldest professional fire brigade in the world. Yet it is one of the most modern and well-equipped fire departments worldwide. Covering an area of 415 square kilometres, it covers both inner-city areas as well as large, forested areas, including the Vienna Woods and regions that are extremely difficult to access.  The Vienna Professional Fire Department has been using vehicles with Allison fully automatic transmissions for over 40 years and is convinced of their performance and robustness. “These torque converter transmissions are the perfect solution for fire service. They provide excellent traction and thus rapid acceleration, which is especially crucial in city traffic to prevent vehicles from being left behind,” says Thomas Huber. Optimized Performance The integration of body and pumping equipment is also key to the effectiveness of a fire truck. “With an Allison transmission as part of the driveline, the chassis, body and pump work together efficiently,” explains Robert Kerschl, Head of the Tatra Center at the Austrian Tatra importer, Tschann Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH. “In addition, the torque converter powershift transmission enables the Cummins engines to realise their full torque power. As a result, the Tatra Force chassis deliver uncompromising traction and acceleration to emergency vehicles.” Unmatched Traction The integration of Allison transmissions into Tatra vehicles is carried out by NIMDAThe integration of Allison transmissions into Tatra vehicles is carried out by NIMDA, the official Allison Authorized Distributor in the Czech Republic. The 4500 fully automatic transmission has been optimised by Allison Transmission specifically for the requirements of emergency vehicles. Christian Bock, Area Sales Manager at Allison, explains: “We recommend fully automatic transmissions for such vehicles - their easy operation and smooth driving simplifies the job of the emergency crews. Drivers don't have to change gears and can fully focus on the task.” “The torque converter offers excellent starting capability without virtually no slipping or rolling back, which is particularly important when fully loaded and on unpaved surfaces. And when changing gears, there is no interruption in traction, instead there is a seamless transfer of power to the drive wheels.” Decades of Dependability Allison fully automatic transmissions were specifically designed to cope with extreme operating conditions and offer exceptional robustness, reliability and durability. Helmut Sonnendorfer, Customer Service Manager at K&W Drive Systems, the Allison Authorized dealer in Austria, confirms: “Since the first fire engines were tested and handed over in 1985, I can only remember minor issues and not a single serious transmission failure in the fleet of the Vienna Fire Brigade, which at times has operated more than 100 Allison fully automatic transmissions.” “The Allison transmissions simply work without any problems, and I am particularly pleased that the customer has been completely satisfied with Allison Transmission for decades. However, if a fault should occur, our strength is that we are able to help quickly together with the workshops of the respective vehicle manufacturers or directly with our technicians.”

Allison Transmission has strengthened its reputation in the Middle East with a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia. A new partnership with HINO Motors has led to the deployment of over 80 HINO 500 Series trucks, equipped with the Allison 3000 Series™ six-speed fully automatic transmission, to Fire and Hazard Control Co in the Kingdom. Allison’s advanced transmission solutions This achievement marks a substantial growth for Allison from the initial delivery of eight trucks in 2022, highlighting an increased demand for Allison’s advanced transmission solutions in the region. These trucks are primarily utilized for the distribution of utility equipment and the mounting of mobile cranes, showcasing the versatility and reliability of the Allison 3000 Series transmissions. Allison’s Continuous Power Technology™  The HINO 500 Series trucks are designed to handle the rigorous demands of utility operations Equipped with the Allison 3000 Series, the HINO 500 Series trucks are designed to handle the rigorous demands of utility operations. The transmission’s patented torque converter amplifies engine torque up to 1.77 times, providing powerful starting performance essential for heavy-duty tasks. Additionally, Allison’s Continuous Power Technology™ ensures seamless power transfer to the wheels, minimizing torque loss and ensuring efficient and reliable operation. Allison 3000 Series "The positive reception we have seen and growing demand for the Allison 3000 Series in Saudi Arabia brings us excitement over what the future holds for us in the region, as it also serves as a testament to the reliability and performance of our products," said Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, Allison Transmission’s Area Manager for Middle East & Pakistan. He adds, "Our partnership with HINO Motors and Fire and Hazard Control Co demonstrates our commitment to providing robust solutions that meet the specific needs of our clients in the Middle East." Suitability of Allison transmissions  The growing fleet of HINO 500 Series trucks in Saudi Arabia demonstrates the suitability of Allison transmissions for the region’s challenging conditions. The transmissions’ durability, power, and reliability are key factors driving their adoption in the Middle East. Allison’s commitment to innovation and quality has resulted in robust transmissions capable of withstanding harsh environments, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. Allison and HINO Motors partnership The successful partnership with HINO Motors in Saudi Arabia underscores Allison’s role as a leader in the global transmission market and highlights its ongoing dedication to supporting the needs of utility and commercial customers in the Middle East.

Equipment is an important element in fighting fires, and in keeping firefighters safe. But what new needs are driving the development of equipment? How can equipment expand its role in fighting fires, or in managing building occupancy and traffic flow for that matter? We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the new trends and opportunities in firefighting equipment?

For those responsible for procuring and managing fire vehicle fleets, speed, driveability and reliability are paramount concerns. As well as the ability to accelerate, slow and stop rapidly and safely in city traffic, fire engines need to be highly manoeuvrable in tight spaces or on rough terrain. They are required to access many different types of environment at high speed, and, even more than other types of heavy-duty vehicles driven at slower speeds by professional lorry drivers, they need to be easy to operate. At the same time, vehicles are needed that are large and powerful enough to carry fire crews, heavy specialist equipment and large quantities of water or foam. They must also provide a smooth ride, for when crews are wearing bulky items such as masks and oxygen tanks. And they have to be extremely reliable, as breakdowns can cause loss of life. In recent years, manufacturers have generally preferred to specify fully automatic transmissions For all these reasons, fully automatic transmissions are now specified on most European fire vehicles, particularly in Germany, France, Spain and the UK. Compared to manuals, they can offer up to 35% quicker acceleration, with more torque at launch as well as no power interruption during gear changes upwards or downwards, enabling quick deceleration of the vehicle and bringing appliance to a complete stop when combined with an Allison Transmission retarder. That all adds up to faster response times and better manoeuvrability on crowded city streets. Automatics are also far more reliable and durable than manual or automated manual gear boxes, which are prone to wear and tear, particularly on the clutch. A key benefit that most automatics offer is a torque converter, which eliminates the need for a clutch altogether. automatic transmissions Compared to manuals, they [fully automatic transmissions] can offer up to 35% quicker acceleration This was the rationale for the specification of Allison automatic transmissions on London Fire Brigade’s latest Mercedes-Benz Atego and Scania trucks. “The Allison [automatic] transmission was specified partly because of its responsiveness and controllability, and partly because it has proven itself to be such a reliable solution for LFB’s operations,” Neil Corcoran, engineering and technical manager at Babcock International Group, which manages and maintains the LFB fleet, told us." We have seen for ourselves that the Allison has minimal maintenance requirements. And, of course, the dependability of equipment is essential in emergency services.” Allison has a dominant position in the European fire sector, where it has spent decades designing and building fully automatic transmissions that perform at their best in critical situations and offer vital benefits not provided by manual or automated manual transmissions (AMTs). This is particularly true in airport fleets, where vehicle response times are dictated by legislation. London Fire Brigade has a large number of Mercedes-Benz Atego fire trucks, all equipped with Allison transmissions Cleaner fuels In recent years, manufacturers have generally preferred to specify fully automatic transmissions. This continues to be true now when, in common with other commercial vehicle markets, they are looking at alternatives to diesel fuel, such as compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG), to reduce emissions in the medium to long term, particularly in urban areas. Automatics are far more reliable and durable than manual or automated manual gear boxes, which are prone to wear and tear Automatics tend to be well suited to both compressed and liquefied natural gas engines because the torque interrupts that occur with manual and automated manual transmissions during gear shifts are more volatile and less predictable in the case of spark-ignited CNG and LPG engines. Automatics, by contrast, can provide a smooth transfer of power to the drive wheels and maximum efficiency between engine and transmission, resulting in better performance, manoeuvrability, safety and driver comfort, as well as a significant reduction in noise. In 2019, German fire engine manufacturer Magirus revealed the world's first compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered firefighting vehicle in series production. Part of the company’s 'Innovative Drive Line (iDL)' series, the (H) LF 10 fire engine has an Iveco Eurocargo 4x2 chassis with 420 litres of CNG and a fully automatic Allison transmission. It has a range of up to 300 km or pump operation of up to four hours. Speed and power for forest fire vehicles Automatic gears are also increasingly specified on 4x4 vehicles used to tackle forest fires as they outperform AMTs in extreme conditions. Forest firefighting vehicles need to be able to carry powerful, high-capacity pumps and canons as well as very large quantities of water or other extinguishing media. And they must be able to travel rapidly over large distances and very rough and steep terrain, in extreme heat. AMTs and manual transmissions cannot cope well with these conditions. An example of a newly launched automatic forest firefighting vehicle is the Spanish-made UROVESA K6 IS, which is equipped with the Allison 3000 Series™ transmission. It features a chassis with a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 16 metric tonnes, excellent traction and extremely robust parts. According to UROVESA's President and CEO Justo Sierra, the automatic transmission, combined with an independent suspension system, affords greater guarantees of safety and efficiency than other vehicles and is in great demand for forest firefighting applications because it can travel at twice the speed of conventional 4x4 trucks. "These transmissions facilitate driving, prevent gear shift errors, enable both hands to be on the wheel at all times and enhance driver ergonomics and safety," explained Sierra. The UROVESA K6 IS forest firefighting vehicle, made in Spain, equipped with a fully automatic transmission. It can travel at twice the speed of conventional 4x4 trucks combating vehicle rollback There are a number of ways in which automatics help reduce accidents and improve driver awareness, comfort and safety, from combating vehicle rollback – a major concern with manual transmissions – to providing superior vehicle control and manoeuvrability at low speeds. Furthermore, because the engine’s responses are so closely related to what the driver asks of it, the vehicle’s start-up progress is more predictable to cyclists and pedestrians who might otherwise misinterpret a slow start as an intention to remain stationary. Electronic features like putting the transmission into neutral when leaving the cab or safety interlocking with body equipment further reduce the risk of accidents. Built to last Fire vehicles tend to be in use for only a few hours each week, with low mileage. Consequently, they can be operational for up to 25 or 30 years. So it's even more important for fleet buyers that they get specifications right, to ensure their vehicles will pass the test of time and provide the performance they need for decades. That's one more reason why so many continue to opt for Allison planetary automatics.