Fully Automatic Transmissions for Airport Vehicles

Chinese bus and coach maker, Bonluck, has become the first manufacturer to adopt Allison automatic transmissions in articulated buses for use on Australian roads.

BRISBANE, Australia – Designers of the Bonluck BLK Citystar Artic have turned to Allison’s Torqmatic® automatic transmissions to deliver a smooth shift, improved fuel economy and best after-sales support. The 18-meter-long Citystar Artics are fitted with Allison’s six-speed T390R fully automatic transmission mated to a Cummins 340B ISL engine, with a capacity of up to 77 seated passengers and a further 20 standing.

Two of the new Citystar Artics have already started service in and around Brisbane with local operator Brisbane Bus Lines running the Allison-equipped buses for both school routes and local charters.

According to Rodd Hood, director of BLK’s Australian importer, Bus and Coach Sales Australasia, “Allison is the best transmission for the application due to the high quality shifts. Buses are lighter than trucks, and ride comfort is important for both operators and passengers, so a transmission with lumpy shifts just isn’t acceptable. Allison transmissions provide a smooth shift every time and also allow the driver to focus on the road, ensuring safety and comfort for passengers.

“A number of operators are also recording significant fuel savings by using our Allison-equipped Bonluck models when compared with other automatic buses,” Hood added.

Just over five years ago, BLK stopped marketing manual transmission buses in Australia based on market pressure, reliability, efficiency and maintenance considerations.

“We decided to go completely automatic in 2008 because the market was trending that way, and our decision has been vindicated by the strong acceptance of the product,” explained Hood, who added that the Allison T390R (with retarder) provides the added benefits of increased brake life and safety.

“We exclusively specify Allison transmissions equipped with the hydraulic retarder, because they not only save on brake wear, but also act as a secondary brake – an important safety feature.”

Ongoing support has also been a major factor for BLK’s commitment to Allison, for both the Chinese domestic and Australian markets.

“Allison provides great support here in Australia and also has a strong relationship with the BLK factory in China,” said Hood. “Some operators are also in remote locations and simply cannot afford downtime. Extensive technical support is only a phone call away, and Allison has always delivered,” he finished.