New online tool uses fuel consumption, maintenance, fleet productivity and other factors to calculate total cost of ownership for transmission options
Allison Transmission has introduced the Allison Advantage Calculator, a new online tool that helps fleet decision-makers objectively compare transmission options to find the best long-term value based on their equipment and vocation. Available at allisontransmission.com, the calculator analyzes the savings potential for fully automatic, manual and automated manual transmissions (AMTs) based on total cost of ownership and fleet productivity.
“We developed the Allison Advantage Calculator to give fleet owners the most realistic view of their transmission investment,” said Lou Gilbert, director of North American marketing and global brand development for Allison. “It helps them make an informed choice, based on a cost/benefit analysis that accounts for maintenance costs, fuel consumption and productivity.”
The calculator uses current vehicle information including transmission model and years in service, estimated annual mileage, average fuel costs and other fleet basics. According to these inputs, variations in maintenance and repair expenses, fuel, and other operating costs are factored in along with anticipated resale value. These calculations determine a total lifecycle cost and payback period for the appropriate Allison automatic model transmission versus manual and AMT alternatives.
In addition to estimating expenses over the life of the transmission, the Allison Advantage Calculator projects financial gains from enhanced productivity. Based on the user’s business assumptions, the calculator can also incorporate potential profits from additional deliveries or trips made possible by the faster acceleration, smooth handling and uninterrupted power of an Allison fully automatic transmission.
As customers were invited to test the calculator with their own fleet information, they found the results matching their real-world experience. A&C Trucking Co., headquartered in Indianapolis, operates 40 trucks used to haul construction materials to jobsites. Seventy-five percent of their fleet is powered by Allison transmissions, and the calculator confirmed the clear advantage of the Allison-equipped trucks.
“I know that Allison transmissions pay for themselves in fuel economy, with driver satisfaction and performance, by eliminating clutch repairs and doubling intervals between brake maintenance,” said Chad Carmichael, owner and president of A&C Trucking. “The calculator puts it all into dollars-and-cents and makes the business case for the value I see on the road every day.”
The Allison Advantage Calculator is currently available for North American users. It includes vocational options for tractors; urban delivery; school and transit bus service; other fleets like refuse, fire and emergency, towing, construction equipment and more. Savings are represented in U.S. dollars, and standard or metric units can be selected; users who are not current Allison customers will be prompted to select an appropriate comparison model through the Allison vocational model guide or with the assistance of an Allison expert.
Fleet professionals with vehicle purchase, specification or maintenance responsibilities are encouraged to try the calculator at their convenience. Users can request additional information or personal follow-up from Allison sales or engineering staff. A global launch of the calculator is planned in the near future.
