Allison Transmission to Supply Fully Automatic Transmission for New Mercedes-Benz Tourrider Coach

For its new flagship coach for the North American market, Daimler Buses has opted for Allison fully automatic transmissions. Allison’s B 500R fully automatic transmission with fuel-saving FuelSense® 2.0 technology is factory standard in the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider and provides a reliable, economical and comfortable propulsion solution.

SLIEDRECHT, The Netherlands, November 2021 – Allison Transmission, a leading designer and manufacturer of conventional and electrified vehicle propulsion solutions and the largest global manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty fully automatic transmissions for commercial and defense vehicles, will equip the new generation of Mercedes-Benz coaches for North America with its powerful B 500R fully automatic transmission.

The Mercedes-Benz Tourrider was developed in cooperation with North American coach operators. It will be manufactured at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Hoşdere, Turkey, one of the most technologically advanced automobile production sites in Europe. The Mercedes-Benz Tourrider, a three-axle high-decker coach, is fitted with an Allison fully automatic transmission as factory standard and, with its Tourrider Business and Tourrider Premium models, caters to sophisticated clientele and the very highest demands.

The Mercedes-Benz Tourrider is powered by a 12.8-liter, in-line six-cylinder OM 471 engine with 336 kW (450 hp) and a maximum torque of 2.100 Nm, and Allison’s fully automatic B 500R transmission. The six-speed gearbox incorporates an integrated hydraulic retarder, which reduces the stress on the service brakes, as well as an electro-hydraulic control system managed via CAN-bus. Allison’s transmission control module (TCM) offers innovative software solutions to significantly improve fuel economy.

The new Mercedes-Benz Tourrider is also equipped with Allison Transmission's innovative fuel-saving FuelSense® 2.0 software which offers Neutral at Stop and DynActive® Shifting. A shifting algorithm used to achieve an ideal balance between fuel consumption and performance by automatically adapting the transmission control to load, speed and topography and selecting the most efficient shift point.

Allison’s B 500R fully automatic transmission is part of the Torqmatic® series, a range of fully automatic transmissions designed to meet the specific needs of coaches, intercity and city buses with engine outputs of up to 410 kW (550 hp) and 2.450 Nm. The Torqmatic series is designed for easy and efficient operation. It offers up to six forward gears and one reverse gear as well as advanced electronic controls for optimized operation and prognostics capabilities. The final assembly of the Torqmatic bus transmissions for the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider will be carried out at Allison Transmission's European plant in Szentgotthard, Hungary.

The Allison fully automatic transmission is the transmission option of choice for the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider, as it is perfectly matched to the drive train of the coaches. The patented Allison torque converter seamlessly multiplies engine torque when starting and the Continuous Power Technology™ ensures gear changes without interruptions in tractive power. This leads to a smooth transfer of power to the drive wheels, an optimal efficiency of engine and transmission and a more comfortable ride for the passengers.

Allison's Continuous Power Technology also enables vehicles to be operated more quietly. The helical gears of Allison transmissions also contribute to the reduced noise level. As a result of additional measures on the engine, the Allison fully automatic transmission and the optimized noise encapsulation, it has been possible to achieve a further significant reduction in noise emissions. Perfect conditions for a relaxed and smooth journey.

Nov 19, 2021

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Allison Transmission (NYSE: ALSN) is a leading designer and manufacturer of vehicle propulsion solutions for commercial and defense vehicles, the largest global manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty fully automatic transmissions, and a leader in electrified propulsion systems that Improve the Way the World Works. Allison products are used in a wide variety of applications, including on-highway trucks (distribution, refuse, construction, fire and emergency), buses (school, transit and coach), motorhomes, off-highway vehicles and equipment (energy, mining and construction applications) and defense vehicles (tactical wheeled and tracked). Founded in 1915, the company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. With a presence in more than 150 countries, Allison has regional headquarters in the Netherlands, China and Brazil, manufacturing facilities in the USA, Hungary and India, as well as global engineering resources, including electrification engineering centers in Indianapolis, Indiana, Auburn Hills, Michigan and London in the United Kingdom. Allison also has approximately 1,600 independent distributor and dealer locations worldwide. For more information, visit allisontransmission.com.

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SOURCE Allison Transmission Holdings Inc.