ZF Group announced its new PowerLine eight-speed automatic transmission on the Freightliner M2 106 Plus with the all-new Cummins B6.7 Octane engine from Daimler Truck North America (DTNA).
"Introducing the PowerLine brand to this market marks an important milestone for ZF, building on our decades of leadership and innovation in transmission technology," says Alexandre Esgolmin, head of driveline technology North America, commercial vehicle solutions, ZF. "Built on our global expertise in advanced driveline technology, PowerLine's optimized eight-speed architecture and intelligent shift strategy are designed to support fuel efficiency, performance and durability. For North American fleets, these features can contribute to dependable operation and support total cost of ownership objectives — delivering the operational confidence our customers expect."
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ZF says the automatic transmission has a patented gear ratio spread that provides increased launch torque and lower engine speeds at cruise, which can translate to up to 10% fuel savings in select applications while improving acceleration compared to similar transmission in its class.
The electronic shifter mirrors modern passenger car operation for ease of use and it has features such as halt mode to reduce driver fatigue in stop-and-go traffic by maintaining braking at a standstill with compatible braking systems. The live, engine-driven PTO allows operation at a standstill or in neutral for vocational flexibility.
"Offering ZF's PowerLine transmission on the Freightliner M2 106 Plus introduces an automatic option designed to support medium duty customers with efficient gear spacing and responsive shift strategy that can improve drivability in stop-and-go applications," says Aaron Scates, vice president of vocational and medium duty market development for Daimler Truck North America. "The engine driven PTO supports productivity for vocational applications across a range of body configurations, making it a strong option for our customers."
The PowerLine transmission is manufactured in Gray Court, South Carolina, part of ZF's $200 million investment in U.S. commercial vehicle transmission manufacturing.
