Enforcing a proven history and an impressive track record of designing transmissions
Named eponymously after its founder James A. Allison in Indianapolis, Indiana, nearly 110 years ago, Allison Transmission is the preeminent manufacturer of commercial duty automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems.
Allison Transmission is a formidable, renowned brand and its reputed and dependable products are specified by over 350 vehicle manufacturers globally and are used in several market sectors, including bus, refuse, fire, construction, distribution, military, and other multiple specialty applications.
LogisticsGulf.com was privileged to be part of a specially invited media team from across the EMEA region (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) at the recent Allison Transmission 2024 Media Event held at the company’s modern assembly plant and its ‘Ride & Drive Track’ in Hungary.
From showcasing a wide range of special vehicles, including Defense vehicles and a real Dakar Rally truck, senior company officials were on hand to give the visiting journalists test drives and hands-on experiences.
Also present on the occasion was Gerard de Rooy, the renowned Dakar rally champion winning the Dakar twice who ably provided guests with a thrilling Dakar ride experience! A case study and professional testimony and report by Iwona Blecharczyk, the celebrated, intrepid Polish ‘Trucking Girl, YouTuber with a large fan following and successful entrepreneur—a rare occurrence in the largely male dominated heavy freight truck drivers’ community, provided excitement and inspiration to the assembled guests.
A clear market leader in automatic transmission manufacturing, Allison Transmission opened its sophisticated Hungarian factory 24 years ago in Szentgotthárd, just across its border with Austria.
Allison’s transmissions are omnipresent in heavy and utility vehicles and can be found everywhere—in fire engines, refuse collector cars, airport vehicles, dump trucks, defense vehicles and in coaches and buses. They are also used in special applications like military vehicles, in mining equipment and other industrial sectors.
EMEA Defense Market
Geopolitical instability is transforming the Defense land vehicle market in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Governments in these regions are now increasing their spending on equipment and materiel, and re-evaluating their requirements based on changing operational needs and new information about equipment performance in high-intensity combat.
The Defense land vehicle market
The Defense land vehicle market covers a wide range of equipment types, from unarmored light utility vehicles (LUVs) to main battle tanks (MBTs) weighing 70,000 kg or more. Combat vehicles are optimized for all-terrain operation, with lighter models predominantly all-wheel drive and the heaviest running on tracks.
Vehicles for logistics, support, and engineering tasks include ruggedized versions of civilian light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks, as well as specialty vehicles such as bridge-laying equipment, which may be based on combat or commercial vehicle platforms.
Allison supplies automatic transmission systems for nearly every vehicle category except the light utility vehicle segment. Globally, more than 600,000 Allison transmissions have been deployed in Defense applications.
In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, approximately two-thirds of all wheeled combat vehicles currently in production use Allison transmissions.
In 2022, the EMEA Defense sector for wheeled vehicles produced approximately 4,500 armored personnel carriers and combat vehicles and another 6,000 logistics, tactical and support vehicles.
Market structure
Land vehicles are designed and produced by a diverse range of regional and global OEMs. They include:
Large Defense prime contractors, such as BAE Systems, Rheinmetall and General Dynamics.
Commercial vehicle OEMs, such as Mercedes Benz, Scania and DAF. These organizations produce dedicated Defense vehicle platforms, along with variants of their civilian product ranges adapted for Defense use.
Specialized producers and National Champions—several countries in the region are developing strong local engineering and manufacturing capabilities, with companies supplying both domestic and export markets.
LogisticsGulf.com conducted an exclusive, expansive, wide-ranging interview with Laurent Mazeyrac, Europe Defense Account Manager, Allison Transmission, based in Sliedrecht, The Netherlands, and Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, Area Manager, Allison Transmission for Middle East & Pakistan, based in Dubai, UAE. The following are transcripts of the interviews.
LogisticsGulf.com (LG): Allison Transmission prides in its long-standing Defense legacy and association, initially with the US military, that spans over a century. What is the scope of the partnership. Tell us more.
Laurent Mazeyrac (LM): Allison Transmission indeed has a proud Defense legacy, beginning its partnership with the US Department of Defense in the 1940s with the development of its first-generation tank transmissions.
Today, we supply nearly all propulsion solutions for the U.S. military’s medium- and heavy-tactical wheeled vehicles, including the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, Light Armoured Vehicle, Stryker Armoured Vehicle, Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles, Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks, Palletized Loading Systems, Heavy Dump Trucks, and Heavy Equipment Transporters.
Our tactical wheeled vehicle solutions are typically provided to OEMs, while tracked vehicle propulsion solutions are directly supplied to the U.S. Army. This includes systems for the Abrams M1A2 Main Battle Tank, Joint Assault Bridge, Assault Breacher Vehicles, M10 Booker, and the M113A3 Armoured Personnel Carrier family. We also support Abrams Tank sustainment by providing parts kits directly to the U.S. Army.
- LG. How extensive are your partnerships / cooperations in the Middle East?
Muhammad Ibrahim Khan (MIK): Allison Transmission has established a strong and strategic partnership within the Middle East, collaborating closely with local military vehicle manufacturers. Our cooperation extends to providing advanced propulsion solutions that meet the unique demands of the region, reinforcing the operational capabilities of Middle Eastern Defense forces.
LG: Briefly, what is the range of your product line deliveries to the Middle East Defense sector?
LM: Allison Transmission delivers a range of its Specialty Series to the Middle East Defense sector, spanning from the 1000 to the 4000 series. These transmissions are designed to meet the diverse needs of military applications across the region.
LG: How significant (in sales percentage value terms) is the Military / Defense component for Allison Transmission globally and specifically in Europe?
MIK: In 2023, the Defense segment represented 5% of Allison Transmission’s total net sales, as outlined in our annual report. We currently supply Defense products to approximately 110 countries worldwide.
Our presence in international markets is expanding, particularly in providing propulsion solutions for a variety of tracked vehicles, including light personnel carriers, armoured fighting vehicles, heavy artillery systems, and Main Battle Tanks. Allison’s Defense products are primarily manufactured at our Indianapolis headquarters, with additional production by our international licensees for global export.
- LG. How fast is this sector growing in the Middle East?
MIK: The Defense wheeled vehicle sector in the Middle East is expected to grow rapidly over the next 5-7 years, driven by regional uncertainties. Key industry events like IDEX and the World Defense Show are anticipated to bring forth several new projects, with an increasing emphasis on local manufacturing and production capabilities.
LG: Which Middle East European Governments are you currently working with?
MIK: Allison-equipped vehicles are widely utilized by government Defense forces across the Middle East, including in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, and Egypt.
LG: What potential does this segment (Defense Account) hold in the Europe/ Middle East for the short- and medium-term futures?
LM: Given the ongoing regional tensions and evolving global geopolitical landscape, we anticipate sustained growth in the Defense segment in Europe and the Middle East over the short and medium terms.
Following a period of slower growth, governments in these areas are now increasing their Defense budgets, with a focus on updating equipment and materiel. This shift includes reassessing requirements based on emerging operational needs and recent insights into equipment performance in high-intensity combat scenarios.
LG: What are some of the highlights / milestones in product terms for your Middle East Government clients?
MIK: Given the trend in automaticity of transmission in trucks & buses in the region, our core portfolio of fully automatic transmissions has gained positive momentum in the Middle East over the last five years.
This goes across the range and includes our 2000 Series for Medium duty trucks and mid-buses, our 3000 Series for heavy duty trucks and yard tractors, and our 4000 series for articulated dump trucks.
LG: Provide us the one-minute elevated pitch on Allison Transmission as a dependable, tested and proven, value-for-money commercial proposition?
LM: Since 1915, Allison Transmission has been a leading designer and manufacturer of vehicle propulsion solutions for commercial and Defense vehicles and is the largest global manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty fully automatic transmissions, and a leader in electrified propulsion systems.
Allison products are used in a wide variety of applications, including on-highway trucks (distribution, refuse, construction, fire and emergency), buses (school, transit and coach), motorhomes, off-highway vehicles and equipment (energy, mining and construction applications) and Defense vehicles (tactical wheeled and tracked).
Allison fully automatic transmissions are designed to perform in the most demanding and challenging missions and duty cycles. Allison Transmissions provide more power & vehicle control, easier and smoother vehicle operation for drivers and minimal wear & tear, significantly reducing maintenance cost during the vehicle lifetime.
Allison’s reliability and durability are well suitable for the Middle East region’s challenging conditions and provide a solution for the increased pressure on the road and availability of skilled drivers in the regions.
Some numbers to support our proof of technology. Additionally, we are trusted by over 350 OEMs and 15,000 fleet customers globally, with 1,600 Allison Authorized distributors supporting operations worldwide. With 1,100 patents, Allison continues to lead the industry with proven, durable technology that meets the needs of the toughest missions and duty cycles.
LG: Make the case for Allison Transmission; why and how is Allison Transmission distinct and superior to its competitors?
LM: Unlike manual and automated manual transmissions (AMTs), Allison Automatics eliminate power interruptions that occur during shift changes. By maximizing engine horsepower and torque, our transmissions deliver superior power and control directly to the wheels.
With our torque converter and Continuous Power Technology, drivers experience smooth acceleration and manoeuvrability, benefiting not only the driver but also co-drivers and passengers. Allison’s fully hydraulic system minimizes wear and tear, significantly reducing maintenance costs and the risk of downtime—a critical advantage for vehicles in demanding, mission-critical operations.
Our mission is to design and manufacture transmissions that consistently deliver premium performance with unmatched reliability and durability, making Allison a superior choice in high-performance, low-maintenance solutions.
LG: Describe the Allison Experience Centre (ACE) and what are you showcasing here?
LM: As the name already reflects, our ACE Centre in Hungary, offers guests an immersive experience to discover the unique value of Allison’s fully automatic transmissions in trucks and buses.
Visitors can tour our factory to see firsthand the dedication and precision we apply in building reliable, durable transmissions. In our ACE Cinema, we showcase Allison’s rich legacy of innovation, highlighting our key technological advancements, product applications, and our latest electric propulsion solutions.
A highlight of the ACE experience is our on- and off-road test track, where guests can drive a range of vehicles equipped with Allison transmissions. From a 24-year-old American school bus with an original Allison transmission to heavy-duty trucks, buses, and even a Dakar rally truck on special occasions, the test track provides a hands-on demonstration of Allison’s performance across diverse applications.
LG: Briefly trace the origins of Allison Transmission in the Middle East?
MIK: Allison Transmission’s presence in the Middle East dates back over four decades when vehicles imported from the United States arrived equipped with Allison’s powerful transmissions. This early footprint laid the foundation for a strong, long-term presence in the region.
LG: How significant is Saudi Arabia for Allison Transmission and is the country a top export destination for the brand?
MIK: Saudi Arabia is a vital market for Allison Transmission in the Middle East, ranking among our top four countries in the region alongside the UAE, Oman, and Qatar, with significant potential for further growth. Our recent successes with KingLong buses and HINO Trucks underscore both our expanding network of strategic partners and the increasing demand for Allison’s fully automatic technology in the Kingdom.
LG: In the recent past, there have been several landmark deals for Allison Transmission in the Kingdom—notably HINO Trucks and King Long buses. Tell us more.
MIK: Absolutely. We’ve achieved notable milestones in Saudi Arabia through strategic partnerships with HINO Motors and King Long buses. Recently, our collaboration with HINO led to the deployment of over 80 HINO 500 Series trucks for Fire and Hazard Control Co., equipped with the Allison 3000 Series.
Also, Allisons cooperation with UD Trucks MEENA have been fruitful and we have achieved great success in the kingdom with Allison equipped UD Croner specially in the distribution segment.
These trucks are engineered to meet the demanding requirements of utility operations, delivering seamless power transfer with minimal torque loss, and ensuring efficient, reliable performance in challenging conditions. This growing fleet in Saudi Arabia highlights the adaptability and durability of Allison transmissions for the region.
In the bus segment, we partnered with King Long to supply 40 buses for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage operations, supporting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for pilgrims. These buses played a crucial role in managing the extensive start-stop operations required for routes like Aziziya to Arafat, as well as connecting Makkah and Madinah to ensure comfortable and efficient travel for pilgrims.
Since 2018, Allison, King Long, and the Saudi dealer have fostered a strong, mutually beneficial partnership, demonstrating the reliability and adaptability of Allison’s technology for the Kingdom’s unique transport needs.
LG: Allison Transmission recently introduced new fuel-efficient 9-Speed Transmission in the Middle East. How is it faring?
MIK: The introduction of Allison’s new 9-Speed transmission in the Middle East has generated considerable interest across the region. This transmission builds on the reliability of Allison’s proven 2000 Series™ 6-speed automatic transmission, which has accumulated approximately 200 million kilometers globally.
The 9-Speed transmission is engineered specifically for commercial vehicles, including 8-meter midi buses that operate in frequent stop-and-go conditions. With its enhanced fuel efficiency, high performance, increased uptime, and low maintenance requirements, the Allison 9-Speed is proving to be a valuable solution for regional operators focused on cost-effective, efficient transportation.
Since entering production in 2023, the Allison 9-Speed fully automatic transmission is now available in new vehicles from Turkish bus manufacturers and available to fleet in the region.
LG: How has Allison Transmission performed to date in the region in 2024 in the ME region and how does it compare with your 2023 performance? What is your outlook for the remainder of 2024 going forward?
MIK: 2024 has been a promising year for Allison Transmission in the Middle East compared to 2023. We see an upward trend that reflects a strong demand for our fully automatic and fuel-efficient transmission solutions across commercial and Defense sectors in the region.
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2024, we anticipate continued momentum as we focus on expanding our partnerships, especially in key markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and further establishing our presence in new segments. We are optimistic that this year will set a solid foundation for sustained growth in 2025 and beyond.
LG: Do you have manufacturing facilities for Allison Transmission in the Middle East?
MIK: Allison Transmission does not have manufacturing facilities in the Middle East. We operate Regional Sales and Service Offices, along with a regional distribution center, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. These facilities enable us to effectively support our customers in the region.
LG: What are your expansion plans for the region?
MIK: Allison Transmission recognizes significant growth opportunities in the Middle East, particularly with commercial vehicles (trucks and buses) from Asian OEMs like UD Trucks, HINO, and King Long, as well as European manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and Tatra.
We also see promising potential in our Defense sector and continue to focus on expanding our presence in this area. Furthermore, yard tractors equipped with Allison technology remain a key component of our success in the region.
LG: What are your brand strengths and how are you leveraging these to gain a larger market share?
MIK: As indicated, Allison Transmission’s strengths lie in our fully automatic transmissions, which offer a smooth and user-friendly driving experience. This feature is particularly beneficial for fleets facing driver shortages, as vehicles equipped with Allison technology require minimal skill training.
Additionally, our transmissions are renowned for their unmatched reliability and durability, making them ideal for demanding operating conditions. This reliability not only enhances operational efficiency but also significantly reduces operating and maintenance costs for fleets. By leveraging these strengths, we aim to capture a larger market share in the region.
LG: What is the vision for Allison Transmission in the region going forward for the short and long-term futures?
MIK: Our vision for the Middle East region aligns with Allison Transmission’s overarching goal of delivering the most reliable and valued propulsion systems. We aim to empower our customers to operate more efficiently, enhancing uptime and allowing them to focus on the road. In both the short and long term, we strive to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the transportation segment, ultimately transforming the way the world moves.
LG: Tell us about Allison Transmission’ CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities particularly in the light of the growing public concern about sustainability / vehicle pollution and its impact on the environment?
MIK: Allison Transmission is dedicated to protecting human health, natural resources, and both local and global environments. In 2022, we adopted a global environmental policy to formalize our commitment to environmental protection, compliance, and continuous improvement in environmental performance.
While our most significant environmental impact stems from greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and fuel efficiency improvements enabled by our technologies, we also acknowledge the environmental implications of the energy we consume in our operations.
To mitigate our environmental impact, we have implemented several initiatives focused on sustainability. Notably, Allison has been ISO 14001 certified since 2001, and our manufacturing operations at headquarters have achieved Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) status since 2009, meaning over 99% of production waste is managed through methods other than landfilling.
BOXOUT
Laurent Mazeyrac is the Europe Defense Account Manager, Allison Transmission with a demonstrated history of working in High-Tech industry. Among his strong professional skills are Negotiations, Coaching, Sales, Communication, and Team Building.
Muhammed Ibrahim Khan is the Area Manager Middle East & Pakistan at Allison Transmission having an experience of more than a decade in the Middle East region.
