ZF Friedrichshaven is promoting its AS-Tronic Lite automated manual transmission (AMT) as the new alternative for city buses in India. Its global portfolio for this market consists of 5-, 6-and 8-speed manual transmissions, AS-Tronic AMTs, and Ecomat torque-converter automatics, in addition to hybrid systems and retarders.

In the Indian market the company is targeting replacement of manuals by AMTs, more specifically its ZF AS-Tronic Lite, developed for engine torque outputs of 500–1,000 Nm, a company official said.

This transmission offers fully automatic shifting, doing away with the clutch pedal. This relieves the driver from the effort of clutch actuation and gearshifting, and actively contributes to safety. It is easily operated by inexperienced drivers too. And since it is computer-controlled, it can be set up to optimise fuel economy. This, together with extended clutch service life, makes for a swift amortisation of the cost of purchase, the official said. Depending on demand, this product could be manufactured in India as early as this year, senior manager (service and aftersales) Rahul Verma said. ZF is planning to set up a plant in the country, and is reported to have zeroed in on Pune as the location.