Searching for more efficient and quieter solutions for refuse services in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Allison Transmission, MAN/VW Trucks, and local refuse company COMLURB formed a successful partnership
Refuse collection company COMLURB is responsible for refuse services in one of South America’s most famous cities, Rio de Janeiro. In its technical tender, COMLURB has published a standard which requires all new trucks to be equipped with an automatic transmission. The resolution was made to comply with a number of requirements, among them increased productivity, lower maintenance costs, and quieter operation, which is appreciated by the local population during operation.
The first MAN/VW trucks equipped with Allison fully automatic transmissions were delivered to local companies Ouro Verde and Julio Simões (Stralu). In Rio de Janeiro the delivery of fifty-nine VW 17.250E Worker trucks with automatic transmissions was witnessed by Mayor Eduardo Paes. He praised the fact that “drivers would not be required to change gears anymore.”
The reasons which led COMLURB to purchase automatic-equipped trucks were obvious. Operation would become quieter as refuse compacting is done with the engine at a lower speed. The truck becomes more available, and the driver will no longer need to perform an estimated four thousand clutch engagements and gear changes per day, so he will be more comfortable during the operation and able to drive more safely by keeping both hands on the steering wheel.
According to COMLURB’s specialists, one of the most important advantages of the new trucks is the automatic compacting system, introduced in the refuse trucks only last year. As for the automatic transmission, 2009 was the first year in which they invested in the technology, which contributed to a reduction in noise. COMLURB also considered the lower stress levels experienced by drivers, offering them a better working environment and allowing for safer operating conditions. For these reasons, COMLURB opted to replace all 59 refuse trucks at the same time with VW Workers equipped with Allison automatic transmission technology.
“The fact that most refuse vehicles in Rio de Janeiro now include Allison fully automatic transmissions indicates a growing commitment from customers in the region to select the proper technology based on overall value,” states Evaldo Oliveira, South American Regional Director for Allison. “We know that with time, other cities in Brasil and throughout South America will transition away from manuals in favor of automatic transmissions in refuse trucks and other commercial vehicle applications as well.”
According to Rogério Gil Costa from MAN/VW, “The VW 17.250E Worker equipped with Allison’s fully automatic transmission offers refuse fleet management reduced maintenance costs as the transmission protects powertrain components from excessive stress, resulting in increased availability of the truck. Safer operation, increased comfort for the driver and quiet operation are benefits to be underlined. The transmission always changes gears at the proper speed, without power interruption, and allows refuse compacting operating the PTO at slightly more than engine idle speed. Overall fleet productivity gains are very significant with the Allison.”
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The partnership between Allison, MAN/VW and COMLURB continues in a joint advertising campaign, “Quieter City. Full of Magic.” The aim is to create awareness and congratulate the city of Rio de Janeiro as new VW trucks with Allison fully automatic trucks enter operation. Using the latest vehicle technology places Rio de Janeiro alongside other prominent cities in the world for refuse collection efficiency. Already famous in Rio, Renato Sorriso is a symbol of the famous Brazilian Carnival and was invited to take part in the advertising campaign.
About Allison Transmission, Inc.
Allison Transmission, Inc. (Allison) is the premier global provider of commercial duty automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems. Allison products are specified by over 250 of the world‘s leading vehicle manufacturers and are used in many market sectors including bus, refuse, fire, construction, distribution, military and specialty applications. Founded in 1915, the Allison business is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. and employs approximately 2,900 people. Regional headquarters with dedicated support staff are located in China, The Netherlands, Brazil, India and Japan. With a global presence in 80 countries, Allison has over 1,550 distributor and dealer locations. More information about Allison is available at www.allisontransmission.com.