Heavy Duty Trucking, June 2017
the next generation of AMTs will most likely be an evolution from units available today making them better in terms of both overall performance and functionality as well as expanding application specific solutions As computer hardware and software continue to evolve so will the ability to control additional vehicle functions she explains For instance Volvos recent release of ISee predictive cruise control allows Paver Assist and Auto Neutral functions for its VHD model all of which are supported by specific software Facing the potential for lost market share to these new more efficient integrated powertrains Eaton and Cummins Engine worked to develop their own version dubbed the SmartAdvantage The two companies recently formed a joint venture Eaton Cummins Transmissions to focus on bringing new technology and transmission products into trucking with an emphasis on safety connectivity and fuel economy Mario Sanchez Lara director of on highway communications for Cummins says deeply integrated powertrains and downspeeding will become the standard vehicle configurations in linehaul applications The next generation of AMTs we are working on now will be lighter but more robust and able to leverage very high torque loads at low RPMs for downsped drivetrains Sanchez Lara explains Once you start to add other systems to the equation such as predictive cruise control for example we feel that nextgeneration powertrains will easily offer fuel economy increases from 2 to 4 from where we are today In and of itself a next generation AMTs alone can only deliver about a 1 fuel economy increase But its the AMTs role as the enabler for the entire drivetrain that makes it invaluable in delivering these efficiency increases and will allow us to bring powertrain speeds drop another 100 to 150 RPM in the near future AMTs are the central brain unit controlling most of the functions in ZFs Innovation Truck a concept vehicle unveiled by the company in Germany last summer HDT JUNE 2017 60 WWW TRUCKINGINFO COM SPECIAL ISSUE CUTTING FUEL COSTS AMTs have paid off for drivers in ways both big and small The repackaging of transmission controls for example freed up valuable space inside truck cabs and made sleeper access much easier PHOTO VOLVO DIAGNOSE A C FLUID LEAKS EARLY TP 8657HD OPTI PRO Plus EZ Ject HEAVY DUTY DYE KIT Features the TP 8655 OPTI PRO Plus ultracompact rechargeable violet LED flashlight TO LEARN MORE SCAN QR CODE OR VISIT WWW TRACERLINE COM SERVICES UP TO 14 R 1234yf COMPATIBLE APPROVED KEEP YOUR FLEET GOING STRONG Go to truckinginfo com readerservice and click on reader service 234
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