Allison Transmission chosen for Agrale’s first articulated bus manufactured in South America
First vehicle of its type designed and manufactured in Argentina, equipped with an Allison automatic transmission to deliver the most efficient performance
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Agrale, the Brazilian bus manufacturer, has chosen Allison Transmission, the world’s largest manufacturer of fully automatic commercial-duty transmissions, for its first automatic articulated bus manufactured in South America.
The Agrale MT 27 LE is a rear engine, articulated, low entry, 18 metre bus with a gross combined weight of 27 tonnes. Equipped with air suspension, the bus matches an Allison T375R transmission to an MWM engine for its Euro III version and a Cummins engine for the Euro V version.
The chassis is made in Agrale’s plant in Mercedes in the Buenos Aires Province; the body is made by Todo Bus in the Buenos Aires Federal District. Agrale began production at its Mercedes facility in 2013 following a US$12.5 million investment plan as part of its international expansion strategy to meet the growing demand for Agrale products in Argentina’s domestic market.
According to Ignacio Armendariz, sales, marketing and after-sales manager for Agrale Argentina, the combination of Allison fully automatic transmission technology and the design of the new bus affords higher levels of comfort without an increase in ticket price, delivering benefits for passengers, drivers and fleet managers.
“The incorporation of the Allison automatic transmission provided us with great benefits, such as easier operation, reduced maintenance costs, and a more comfortable ride for passengers and drivers,” said Armendariz.
Allison Automatics are essential for contributing to improved reliability and safety, which is why they are an ideal option for articulated buses. Continuous Power Technology™ not only reduces vehicle and driveline wear, but also improves comfort with a smoother ride, while allowing operators to more fully concentrate on the road since gear shifts are automatic.
“The transmission’s torque converter optimizes engine torque during vehicle launch, while gear changes are made without interrupting power,” said Roberto Larossa, Southern Cone regional manager for Allison.
“Thanks to the patented torque converter, which also reduces wear and protects the driveline, the only scheduled maintenance is for fluid and filter replacement,” said Larossa. “Reduced maintenance costs and vehicle downtime are additional benefits.”
Precise, automatic shift schedules mean increased efficiency for the large articulated buses, which operate in frequent urban stop-and-go duty cycles. This is just one reason several cities in South American Bus Rapid Transit markets are already using articulated buses with Allison fully automatic transmissions, including Buenos Aires, Argentina and Lima, Peru.
About Allison Transmission
Allison Transmission (NYSE: ALSN) is the world’s largest manufacturer of fully automatic transmissions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and is a leader in hybrid-propulsion systems for city buses. Allison transmissions are used in a variety of applications including refuse, construction, fire, distribution, bus, motorhomes, defense and energy. Founded in 1915, the company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA and employs approximately 2,700 people worldwide. With a market presence in more than 80 countries, Allison has regional headquarters in the Netherlands, China and Brazil with manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Hungary and India. Allison also has approximately 1,400 independent distributor and dealer locations worldwide. For more information, visit allisontransmission.com.
Press Contacts
Claire Dumbreck Miranda Jansen
Propel Technology Allison Transmission Europe
Claire@propel-technology.com Marketing Communications
+44 (0) 1295 770602 miranda.jansen@allisontransmission.com
Unit 4, Manor Farm Offices +31 (0) 78 6422 174
Northend Road, Fenny Compton Baanhoek 118
Warwickshire, UK Sliedrecht, the Netherlands
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