Three years ago, Isuzu Trucks was the first OEM to introduce automated manual transmission to selected N-Series models. Since then, its proven performance, durability and fuel economy, as well as significant cost savings on parts and maintenance have led to many fleets standardising on the AMT offering.

The success of Isuzu’s automated manual transmission (AMT) has been so well received that fleet owners with heavy commercial vehicle needs are now able to choose from four F-Series AMT model derivatives.

With AMT, Isuzu Trucks have brought to market a truck that retains performance, durability and a fuel economy usually associated with manual transmission. This easy-to-drive truck ensures that the driver is able to focus completely on the road.

Based on a manual transmission, AMT model shave no clutch pedal in the cab and only the gearshift lever, accelerator pedal and brake pedal are used. The trucks offer advanced technologies as wet-type multiple-disc clutch and fluid coupling, which have been introduced to achieve an easy-drive system suitable for commercial vehicles. In addition, use of an electromagnetic solenoid valve-type gear shift unit enables both computer-controlled automated mode and manual mode of transmission.

“This feature allows the driver to drive the truck in automated or manual mode without having to operate a clutch. Over the course of a manual transmission truck’s life, especially in high-traffic inner-city delivery applications, the clutch may need to be replaced between five to eight times, depending on the model and operating conditions. This comes at a substantial cost; with the AMT option this cost is saved,” explains Anton du Plessis, Isuzu Truck South Africa’s national sales and distribution manager.

Conservative value estimates showed a cost saving of more than R40 000 in parts and labour for lifetime clutch replacements over 500 000 km in stop-go metro distribution operations. This amount does not include opportunity costs for vehicle downtime, which is estimated at 10 days over the total distance, or towing and replacement trucks. The total potential savings over four to five years is in excess of R60 000.

“Since we’ve introduced the AMT offering, many fleets have standardised on these models. Sales figures support this trend, with more than 50% of models(where both manual and AMT are available)being sold with the AMT option,” he says.

AMT is now also available in selected Isuzu F-Series models, giving fleet owners the same advantages and benefits of the N-Series range.

The F-Series AMT has a six-speed transmission, with features such as hillside assist for pull-off on a steep gradient when the truck is at full GVM. This feature is available in the FRR 500, FSR 800, FTR 850 and the FSR 750 AMT Crew Cab, which seats seven passengers in the spacious cab, making it ideal for applications that require crew to accompany the load.