SAVANNAH, GA. Volvo Trucks North America has announced that the I-Shift automated truck transmission built by its parent company, AB Volvo, can be ordered now for all Volvo truck models for delivery in the second quarter of 2007.

“It’s an automated manual that’s been completely redeveloped for North American heavy trucks,” said Scott Kress, vp-sales and marketing for Volvo, here at a ride and drive event to showcase the new transmission, as well as Volvo’s engine models for ’07.

“Starting in the second quarter this year, our I-Shift automated manual is going to be available for all Volvo truck models and engines,” Kress said.

“The I-Shift has always been an automated product, that’s its European heritage,” Matt Kelly, Volvo’s executive director of marketing, told Flee tOwner. “But let me stress again that the model we’re bringing in has been totally redesigned for the U.S. market.”

Kelly noted that providing a “vertically integrated” truck, with the chassis, cab, engine and transmission all built by one manufacturer, will make it easier for truck owners to service the vehicle.

“Of course it’s going to make it easier for the truck owner to manage,” Kelly said. “It gives them one point of contact for everything — the truck, the engine and the transmission. It makes it simpler for everyone.”

Volvo will offer three I-Shift models with the ability to handle all power and torque inputs from its new engine family.

The Volvo I-Shift is a 12-speed, single countershaft transmission built up with a splitter, a main section with three forward gears and one reverse gear, as well as a range gear. It does not use synchronizers in its main section and the “two-pedal” unit doesn’t require a clutch pedal.

“One of I-Shift’s key advantages is that it makes even drivers with limited experience shift as expertly as the best drivers, for improved fuel economy and less stress on the driveline and tires,” stated Volvo.

For more information, go to www.volvo.com/trucks/na/en-us

To comment on this article, write to Sean Kilcarr at skilcarr@fleetowner.com