In a bid to provide commercial vehicles (CVs) with insights to help improve fleet operational efficiency, global technology leader ZF has on Tuesday introduced its new EcoTronic Mid Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) system.
Compatible with ZF’s connectivity solutions, the system is equipped with a ‘rock-free’ mode to enable smooth driving on challenging terrains, offering many benefits for India’s CVs, including easy operation and a doubling of clutch life and enhanced gearbox life, helping to ensure less vehicle downtime.
P Kaniappan, Managing Director, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India, said, “ZF has always been a pioneer of technologically advanced products to meet the evolving needs of CV customers wherever they are in the world. We are delighted to introduce our locally manufactured EcoTronic Mid transmission to the Indian market. Setting the pace for intelligent transmission systems in India’s commercial vehicle industry, this advanced solution will support vehicle efficiency whether on a long-distance journey, managing delivery traffic, working on a construction site or operating as municipal vehicles.”
“We are focusing on expanding our business in India and localising our products. ZF fully understands the needs of Indian manufacturers and is leveraging its knowledge and customer proximity to take ZF’s support to the next level. This includes our latest important partnership with Ashok Leyland for this solution,” added Kaniappan.
OEM Endorsement
A communication from the company said that many leading manufacturers in India have selected ZF as their technology partner due to its globally proven, robust 9-speed transmissions coupled with its industry-leading OptiDrive AMT Controls. ZF’s newest partnership with Ashok Leyland, one of the largest commercial vehicle OEMs in India and worldwide, is focused on improving driver comfort and productivity in the tipper segment’s most demanding operating conditions.
Dr N Saravanan, Chief Technology Officer, Ashok Leyland, said, “Tippers are an integral part of India’s rapidly growing infrastructure market and, largely operated for long periods in challenging conditions, they must be easy to use, robust and highly reliable – all the qualities Ashok Leyland trucks are known for. The recent launch of India’s first tipper with 9-speed AMT, demonstrates this best-in-class product approach and Ashok Leyland is proud to have worked closely with ZF as our technology partner. Globally known for their proven transmissions and leading OptiDrive AMT controls, ZF has helped us deliver a first-class product ready to meet the challenging environments and demands put on tippers.”
How Does It Work?
With an intelligent clutch heat mapping algorithm helping avoid unnecessary wear on the clutch mechanism, the life of both the clutch and driveline is extended. The EcoTronic Mid system meets leading functional safety requirements and promises trouble-free operation for the customer. This indigenous solution is assembled and supplied by ZF’s facility in Pune, India, and the EcoTronic Mid can be serviced pan-India across ZF’s extensive Aftermarket network. This technology is currently available for original equipment fitment.
ZF’s integrated PTO (Power Take Off) mechanism with 9-Speed EcoTronic transmission works seamlessly for demanding tipper truck applications. EcoTronic Mid’s intelligent electronic system operates in manual and automatic modes providing a 9-gear ratio across the entire commercial vehicle range. It can support all application types, including road transportation, passenger transport, mining (tippers), long-haul and fuel carriers.