Global technology leader ZF has announced the market introduction of its new EcoTronic Mid Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) system for commercial vehicles in India. Compatible with ZF’s connectivity solutions, the system provides vehicle insights to help improve fleet operational efficiency. Equipped with a ‘rock-free’ mode to enable smooth driving on challenging terrains, this industry-first technology offers many benefits for India’s commercial vehicles. These include easy operation, a doubling of clutch life and enhanced gearbox life, helping to ensure less vehicle downtime.
“ZF has always been a pioneer of technologically advanced products to meet the evolving needs of commercial vehicle customers wherever they are in the world. We are delighted to introduce our locally manufactured EcoTronic Mid transmission to the Indian market,” said P. Kaniappan, President – Indian Region, Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division, ZF Group. ”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 localizing 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
Many leading manufacturers in India have selected ZF as their technology partner as a result of 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 world-wide, is focused on improving driver comfort and productivity in the tipper segment’s most demanding operating conditions.
“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,” added Dr N Saravanan, Chief Technology Officer with Ashok Leyland. “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.”
Transmission Functioning
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 both manual and automatic modes providing a 9-gear ratio across the entire commercial vehicle range. As such it can support all types of application including road transportation, passenger transport, mining (tippers), long-haul and fuel carriers, for example.
A best-in-class fully automated system with a deep crawler ratio for better gradeability and performance, EcoTronic Mid’s sensitive starting mechanism continuously monitors and automatically senses changes in loads and gradients. It then adapts the torque and engine speed to support smoother starts on challenging inclines. Under standard operating conditions, the acceleration-based gear-shifting technology provides customers with reduced emissions and fuel savings benefits of up to 5%. ZF’s lightweight solution is available in both direct drive and over-drive options to match customer requirements with several options available including Eco, Power and Auto / Manual modes.
As the Indian commercial vehicle industry is at a critical tipping point in its transformation, ZF’s EcoTronic Mid AMT offers a range of industry-first driving functions including shift-free low-speed maneuvering, hill assist, rock-free and off-road modes to meet virtually all application needs. It enables a smooth driving experience, clutch pedal-less operations and increased driver productivity to support quicker turnarounds. A key feature is its throttle, acceleration and gear-based shift strategies that deliver enhanced fuel efficiency and drivability. Additionally, the transmission control unit with its integrated inclination sensor can accurately measure the gradient and select the launching gear, which helps approximately double clutch life. EcoTronic Mid is available with India’s industry-first GPS-based predictive shifting technology to reduce the frequency of shifting, improve clutch life and deliver greater fuel economy.
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“Driver comfort and fuel efficiency will drive demand for EcoTronic Mid”
– P. Kaniappan, President – Indian Region, Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division, ZF Group
How does the EcoTronic Mid compare with manual transmissions given the fact that it is generally perceived there is a drop in fuel efficiency when gear changes are automated? Also, why should customers choose an AMT solution as against a fully-automatic solution which might offer better driver comfort?
ZF has over 4 decades of expertise in automatic transmissions and has carried forward this expertise to AMT’s. The quality of the gear shift is a direct output of the combination of optimum driveline and logic behind gearshift calibration. ZF works with its OEM partners to help them choose the optimal driveline which provides the required driver comfort & fuel efficiency.
ZF’s EcoTronic Mid, our 9 speed transmission with AMT, offers a range of industry-first driving functions including shift-free low-speed maneuvering, hill assist, rock-free and off-road modes to meet virtually all application needs. It enables a smooth driving experience, clutch pedal-less operations and increased driver productivity to support quicker turnarounds. A key feature is its throttle, acceleration and gear-based shift strategies that deliver enhanced fuel efficiency and drivability. Additionally, the transmission control unit with its integrated inclination sensor can accurately measure the gradient and select the launching gear, which helps approximately double clutch life.
While you have mentioned a few segments / applications where the EcoTronic Mid would be best suited, apart from tippers for which AL is deploying your solution, in which segments do you see traction for your AMT technology?
EcoTronic Mid’s intelligent electronic system operates in both manual and automatic modes providing a 9-gear ratio across the entire commercial vehicle range. It can support all types of application including road transportation, passenger transport, mining (tippers), long-haul and fuel carriers. ZF’s integrated PTO (Power Take Off) mechanism with 9-Speed EcoTronic transmission works seamlessly for demanding tipper truck applications.
We are broad basing our focus on several segments including e-commerce and intercity, long-haul transportation, where the driving conditions are very demanding, and drivers drive for extended hours over long distances. Driver comfort and fuel efficiency will be of key consideration, and this will drive the demand for EcoTronic Mid. We are currently working with leading OEMs and fleets on applicating 6 speed and 9 speed AMT solutions across their vehicle platforms. The service will be backed by our robust nationwide aftermarket service network.