Allison Transmission : New Allison Transmission-equipped Mercedes-Benz Actros NGT with CNG engine launched at Municipalia

Combining Allison automatic transmissions with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engines creates the perfect nexus. The new Actros NGT by Mercedes-Benz Trucks, fitted with a CNG engine and an Allison Transmission 3000 Series™ fully automatic transmission, helps improve air quality and is significantly quieter than diesel-powered vehicles. The Actros NGT has a 100% CNG range of up to 650 km and reduces CO2 emissions by up to 95%, thanks to the use of biogas.

MADRID - Spain 30 October 2019 - At the Municipalia International Exhibition of Municipal Equipment and Services, it was once again demonstrated that Allison's fully automatic transmissions form an excellent combination with CNG engines. At the event, held on October 22, 23 and 24 at the Fira de Lleida trade fair center, the new Actros NGT by Mercedes-Benz Trucks was on display at the Allison Transmission stand. This vehicle is primarily designed for sustainable transport companies and companies specializing in medium-distance distribution, such as municipal services and waste collection, nighttime deliveries or deliveries in areas with traffic restrictions.

'Having this vehicle on display is evidence of the consolidation of automatic transmissions with torque converter in this sector,' said Trond Johansen, Market Development Manager at Allison Transmission Spain. 'The open chassis on display provided far greater visibility to the Allison automatic transmission. The municipal services sector has a high demand for heavy-duty trucks of this class and weight (302 HP engine and 18 tons), but the CNG engine is an outstanding feature of this vehicle. The launch of this model in Spain increases the variety of trucks on offer for the municipal services sector, which increasingly demands more eco-friendly vehicles.'

The FuelSense® software package - Allison Transmission's leading edge, fuel-efficiency technology-not only enables lower emissions but also significantly reduces fleet operating costs. 'This model is calibrated with Allison FuelSense® 2.0 intelligent shifting technology that enables the vehicle to achieve even greater energy efficiency and vehicle performance with lower fuel consumption,' said Johansen.

'Allison transmissions are a perfect fit for gas engines and increase output torque at low engine speeds,' said Laura Rodríguez, Special Sales Manager, FUSO and FleetBoard at Mercedes-Benz Trucks España. 'This means increased comfort and safety for drivers, along with lower noise pollution and emissions.'

Allison 3000 Series - intelligent design

The new Actros NGT, available in 18- and 26-ton models, is fitted with an Allison 3000 Series transmission with six forward speeds and one reverse speed. Conceived for medium-weight commercial vehicles, the 3000 Series™ is designed to adapt to conditions of all types.

'The automatic transmission with torque converter allows vehicle owners and drivers to work with confidence. They are aware of the proven reliability of the transmission and know that efficiency is realized in the toughest duty cycles, day after day, year after year,' said Johansen.

The 3000 Series incorporates features such as Allison's 5th Generation Electronic Controls for improved performance and prognostics, as well as an optional integrated output retarder for enhanced braking and reduced brake wear. It also includes programmable control for optimal transmission adaptation to specific working conditions. Another benefit of the 3000 Series is the extraordinary maneuverability. The highest speeds are designed as overdrive gears for urban and interurban driving at cost-effective engine speeds. Thus, municipal fleets worldwide will experience efficient functioning, optimal fuel consumption and low maintenance costs.

'The launch of the new Actros NGT sees Mercedes-Benz Trucks continuing to consolidate its three main strategy pillars: ecology, safety and cost-effectiveness,' said Rodríguez. 'Ecology, not just in terms of emissions but also in terms of noise pollution. Safety, because it features all the innovations of the new Actros, over 60 in total. Examples include the mirror cam, screens fitted inside the vehicle instead of rearview mirrors for enhanced visibility and the emergency brake assist that detects pedestrians in motion. In regards to cost effectiveness, the Actros reduces fuel consumption and the time trucks spend in the workshop. These three pillars are of vital importance to Mercedes-Benz, and Allison is an ideal partner in terms of meeting our commitment to them.'

Torque converter for efficient energy use

Allison fully automatic transmissions afford greater vehicle control and maneuverability, in addition to enhanced driving that helps ensure safe arrival at destinations. They feature our Continuous Power Technology™, which provides more torque and more power to the wheels than other transmission technologies. Allison transmissions accelerate faster than manual transmissions or automatic manual transmissions (AMTs) and they provide superior launch, with acceleration of up to 35% faster. This is because vehicles lose power every time a manual transmission or AMT shifts gear.

'The Allison torque converter multiplies engine torque, which is particularly beneficial for natural gas engines. This gives trucks greater gradeability and faster, smoother acceleration. Ultimately, this means enhanced energy efficiency,' said Johansen.

High technology for municipal services

The Municipalia exhibition brought together all actors in the municipal sector: heads of public authorities, technical specialists and businesses. The exhibition area at Municipalia provided a stage for showcasing new products, whilst also hosting technical seminars for the purpose of

sharing and providing solutions. The goal was to optimize municipal management through innovative, sustainable proposals to make cities better and to enhance the quality of life for its citizens.

'Drivers of municipal service vehicles perform very specialized work that is highly visible to the citizens. Therefore, it is necessary to provide them with trucks that feature the latest technologies, such as the new Actros NGT with Allison fully automatic transmission, to facilitate their work and ensure the highest level of performance,' said Rodríguez. 'Not forgetting the safety and comfort provided by the new Actros NGT in combination with an Allison automatic transmission.'

Model	Mercedes Benz Actros NGT
Gas engine	OM 936 - 100 % CNG Displacement: 7.7 l Engine torque: 1200 Nm Power: 222 kW (302 HP)
Transmission	Allison fully automatic transmission (3000 Series™)

Press contacts:
Nuria Martí
Alarcón & Harris
Asesores de Comunicación y Marketing
[e-mail]
[phone]
Avda. Ramón y Cajal, 27
28016 Madrid

Miranda Jansen
Allison Transmission Europe B.V.
Marketing Communications
[e-mail]
[phone]
Baanhoek 188
3361GN Sliedrecht (Países Bajos)