Milestone reached in advanced transmission project 29 November 2011

A new phase of the multi-stage gearbox development programme between Torotrak and Allison Transmissions has been reached, with concept hardware performance targets now achieved.

Having completed knowledge transfer from Torotrak to Allison personnel, Allison Transmissions says it will lead the programme towards production of transmissions, while Torotrak provides ongoing specialist technical support and engineering consultancy.

"Our completion of a substantial proof-of-concept programme with Allison allows the programme to enter the next phase, proceeding to production-representative hardware," comments Jeremy Deering, commercial director, Torotrak.

"Torotrak has re-shaped its engineering delivery structure over the last six months to provide the most relevant support as programmes such as Allison's move closer towards commercialisation," he explains.

The timing of the programme means Torotrak's technology could be part of the commercial vehicle industry's response to the growing legislative pressure to improve fuel economy.

In the US, for example, new regulations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency require heavy trucks to achieve fuel consumption and CO2 emissions savings of around 20% from the 2018 model year onwards – and Europe is bound to follow suit.

Author
John Challen

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