Allison Transmission and Ashok Leyland, a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in India and part of the Hinduja Group, have partnered to introduce low-floor city buses equipped with fully automatic transmissions in Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India.
The new 12-meter diesel buses, manufactured by Ashok Leyland, will be fitted with Allison Torqmatic® Series transmissions. These low-floor buses are designed with stepless-entry to improve accessibility for passengers, including those with disabilities, and will replace older buses that use manual transmissions.
The Allison-equipped buses will be deployed on bus routes in major Tamil Nadu cities, including Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore. The buses will be powered by Allison T280 transmissions, paired with Ashok Leyland's H-series six-cylinder, four-valve diesel engine, which produces 246 horsepower (184 kW). The transmissions will be delivered from Allison’s manufacturing facility located near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Heidi Schutte, Vice President of EMEA, APAC, and South America Sales at Allison Transmission, commented on the importance of this partnership as part of the company’s efforts to expand the use of fully automatic transmissions in India. She expressed confidence in the ongoing collaboration with Ashok Leyland and its potential to help improve public transportation in Tamil Nadu.
Allison Transmission has a significant presence in India, where it has been providing fully automatic transmissions for commercial vehicles, including city buses, for over a decade. The company’s products are well-regarded for their durability, reliability, and performance, particularly in demanding urban environments. Allison's transmissions are widely used in various sectors, such as public transportation, logistics, and construction, helping to improve fuel efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance the overall driving experience.
In India, Allison Transmission primarily focuses on the bus and commercial vehicle markets. The company’s Torqmatic® Series transmissions, designed for city and suburban buses, are an important part of India’s ongoing efforts to modernize public transportation systems. These fully automatic transmissions offer smoother operation, reduce driver fatigue, and are easier to maintain compared to manual transmissions, contributing to increased operational efficiency.
The company operates a manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, close to the city of Chennai, which enables Allison to supply products to local and regional markets. This facility also strengthens the company's commitment to India as a key market for its products. Over the years, Allison has established partnerships with major Indian vehicle manufacturers, such as Ashok Leyland, to meet the growing demand for advanced transmission technology in the country’s transportation sector.