Allison Transmission Inc., manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty commercial transmissions, continues its ongoing product improvement initiative by optimizing its products for model year 2010.

“We’ve always been committed to understanding and satisfying the needs of our customers. That’s why we constantly analyze, refine and improve our products and features,” said Jim Wanaselja, vice president, Allison Transmission North America marketing, sales and service.

For MY2010, Allison’s Load-Based Shift Scheduling (LBSS) feature has been optimized to include a Super Economy Shift Schedule. This enhancement allows Allison LBSS to up-shift under cruising conditions to further improve fuel economy. Allison LBSS will continue to automatically select between economy and performance shift schedules based on the vehicle’s actual payload and the grade on which it is operating. Load-Based Shift Scheduling is available on all Highway Series, Pupil Transport/Shuttle Series, Rugged Duty Series and Bus Series models. Super Economy Shift Schedule is available with SEM/LRTP capable engines.

The company's 1000/2000 Series models feature increased horsepower and torque ratings to allow a broader range of applications at a lower initial cost. Allison 1000/2000 Series transmissions with Shift Energy Management (SEM) are now rated up to 340 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque. Without SEM, they are rated up to 300 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque. Ratings may vary by model and application.

Hardware enhancements to all MY2010 1000/2000 Series models have reduced the power required to charge the oil lube distribution and main pressure system. The introduction of the Variable Modulated Main feature reduces main pressure when the clutch apply system does not require full main pressure. New Wave friction plates reduce internal drag. The result is more efficient operation that helps improve fuel economy.

The new MY2010 Vehicle Acceleration Control (VAC) feature helps control aggressive driving practices and improve overall fuel economy. VAC limits acceleration by controlling the amount of engine torque based on vehicle load. Tests using a simulated bus duty cycle show VAC helps improve fuel economy by up to three percent, results may vary. VAC is available on Bus Series and Pupil Transport/Shuttle Series models.

Also new for MY2010, Allison B 300 and B 400 models are available with Increased Lockup Availability. This feature enables the transmission to shift into lockup in 1st range, and lockup stays on through 1st to 2nd shift. The transmission's electronic controls monitor acceleration to determine when to activate lockup. Application engineering review is required for this feature.