Eicher Trucks & Buses, part of VE Commercial Vehicles, introduced state-of-the-art Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) technology in its commercial vehicles. This breakthrough technology has been adapted based on the OptiDrive? technology designed and developed by Wabco, renowned for its services in Driveline Automation.

The AMT technology will be available in the complete range of LMD and HD buses (from 9T to 16T) and medium duty haulage truck application in the first phase and the same will be extended to other applications later on.

Wabco?s OptiDrive? is modular AMT technology for trucks and buses that increases fuel economy while reducing emissions. It transforms a manual transmission into a highly efficient, integrated solution for commercial vehicles, which automatically shifts gears and operates clutch actuation at optimal speed.

This technology frees drivers from frequent gear-shifting, reducing their stress and fatigue. This means drivers can focus further attention on road and traffic conditions, resulting in increased driver comfort while improving vehicle control and road safety. OptiDrive? systems also minimise any performance gap between highly skilled and less experienced drivers.

Commenting on the this milestone development, Vinod Aggarwal, Managing Director & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles said, ?It?s a matter of extreme pride for us to be one of the pioneers in introducing a break-through technology in the Indian CV industry. Eicher vehicles are known for best fuel efficiency and the introduction of this technology will further enhance this advantage. Apart from fuel efficiency, this technology will also improve comfort, safety and efficiency that are the most critical aspects of driving these days.?

Jacques Esculier, Chairman & CEO, Wabco said, ?We are proud to further extend and deepen our partnership with VE Commercial Vehicles, particularly through Wabco?s OptiDrive? modular automated manual transmission solution, a breakthrough technology for our industry. The award-winning OptiDrive? for trucks and buses enables improved fuel economy and reduced emissions, as Wabco supports the leadership mission of VE Commercial Vehicles to continuously improve commercial transportation efficiency in India and other markets through technology, safety and environmental care.?

The new Pro series of AMT enabled vehicles will be manufactured in the Eicher Trucks and Buses facility located in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, where Eicher produces its complete range of 4.9T to 40T commercial vehicles.