Allison Transmission and Unimetro expand Columbia’s BRT system

The first 51 of 100 Allison transmissions is operational in Cali; transmissions optimised for the best combination of operation, performance and fuel consumption

The BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system of Cali in Columbia is being supported by 51 Allison Transmission-equipped buses which have been supplied over the last year to major bus company Unimetro. A total of 100 International 3000RE buses with Allison transmissions will be operational as part of the MIO ‘Sistema Integrado de Transporte Masivo’ by 2011. Cali, like other cities in Columbia is five years into the establishment of a major BRT system for which recent government legislation requires automatic transmissions in all buses. In the Columbian capital of Bogotá – where Allison has already supplied transmissions – the larger population demands articulated buses. However, in Cali, medium buses fitted with Allison B300 transmissions are being used. Allison has been central to helping define operating efficiency parameters for the buses to satisfy the demands of local customers. A group of service engineers from Brazil, working with the local Allison distributor, developed and introduced new, optimised calibrations to achieve the best combination of operation, performance and fuel consumption. The transmission’s retarder – a driver-enabled feature designed to increase safety during braking – was also adapted to obtain the best performance/fuel consumption, drivability and reliability according to local conditions. Unimetro is a leading mass transportation company in Colombia. Its fleet of articulated buses and microbuses is exclusively equipped with Allison transmissions, reflecting an important partnership between the two companies. According to Fernando Gonzales, who is responsible for Unimetro’s services section, the feedback on the integration of Allison transmissions has been very positive. “The maintenance was visibly made easier, with much less intervention and an extended time between fluid and filter changes,” says Gonzales. Although the optimisation aim is for the highest fuel economy possible, the daily routes continue to be travelled within the established performance goals. And all drivers are satisfied with the acceleration and easy operation of the bus due to the Allison automatic transmissions.” Says João Renda, Allison Transmission sales and services responsible for the Andean Countries, Central America and Caribbean, “This experience in Colombia has been a rewarding one. In addition to the progress in the functioning of our transmissions and customer satisfaction, we are consolidating our position in the country through our local dealer. The future plans of Colombian authorities point to a modern and rational transportation system around the country. That includes more buses, all equipped with automatic transmissions.” October / 2010 About Allison Transmission, Inc. Allison Transmission, Inc. (Allison) 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 approximately 3,000 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 1,550 distributor and dealer locations. More information about Allison is available at www.allisontransmission.com. Press Enquiries Claire Dumbreck, Propel Technology, Bloxham Mill, Barford Road, Bloxham, Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK, OX15 4FF. +44 (0)1295 724130 / +44 (0) 7768 773857. claire@propel-technology.com Miranda Jansen, Allison Transmission Europe B.V. Marketing Communications, Baanhoek 188, 3361GN Sliedrecht - The Netherlands , Tel: +31 78-6422 174. miranda.jansen@allisontransmission.com

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