Interim results of Allison’s true whole-life cost comparison of an automatic and a manual gearbox will be announced at the CV Show 2007, one year on from its launch.

Allison Transmission, the world’s largest supplier of commercial vehicle automatic transmissions will be revealing the first set of results from its real life comparison of a manual and an automatic tipper truck. Launched at the CV show last year, the test, designed to compare vehicle whole-life costs has been running for a year, with operational data being logged continually during this time. “Some very interesting results have been recorded from the vehicles’ Communicator 100 data acquisition units and we think that people will be surprised when we reveal them at the CV show,” says Riccardo Sardelli, UK area manager, Allison Transmission.

The parameters monitored include fuel economy, mileage, downtime and operating hours. Data is sent via General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) to a computer at Allison’s UK headquarters where it is analysed.

At the show Allison will also be announcing details of a new longer Extended Transmission Coverage (ETC) for customers. The longer seven year coverage period substantially reduces financial risk and makes both long and short term budgeting easier. Even covering component wear and tear with unlimited mileage or operating hours, Allison’s ETC packages are a true reflection of the confidence it has in the reliability of its transmissions.

Running concurrently with its nationwide awareness campaign seminars to address industry confusion between fully automatic and automated manual transmissions (AMTs), Allison will also use the CV Show to confront the issue.

“Not all two pedal transmissions are fully automatic and we share the view that everyone should understand their transmission options when purchasing a vehicle,” says Sardelli. “We are using our seminars to encourage operators to question whether they are using the best system for their needs.”

To sign up to an upcoming seminar in your area, please visit www.weshareyourview.com.