Isuzu Trucks recently announced a significant upgrade to their trucks competing in the medium commercial segment. The Isuzu N-Series NMR 250 will now exclusively be fitted with Isuzu Trucks’ unique Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT) in both its Freighter and Crew Cab derivatives. This marks the first time that NMR 250 trucks (with a payload of 2,5 tonnes) have been equipped with AMT. Previously AMT has been available in Isuzu trucks with payload capacities ranging from three to eight tonnes only.
The improved driver comfort and reduced cost of ownership offered by the AMT will be particularly appreciated by tradesmen and small business owners given the stop-start nature common to urban applications. Whereas automatic gearboxes normally rely on torque converters and planetary gears, the AMT operates in most aspects like a manual gearbox. Shifting of gears is managed electronically, with the ability for a driver to select gears manually if desired. Not having to operate a clutch , power is instead transferred through a fluid coupling , allows drivers to safely focus on road conditions, while also eliminating the need for costly clutch replacements.
And during the launch of ISUZU trucks GEOTAB was there, we found the event interesting and enjoyed seeing the line-up of ISUZU’s at the event, what was more interesting for GEOTAB was the quality of data we could provide ISUZU owners beyond our Fleet Management data, that of Engine and Gearbox data via our unique OBD device configuration, including Engine RPM (Useful to identify abusive driving that adds to costs such as fuel and maintenance), Engine Coolant Temperature, Gear Position, Trip Fuel Used, Trip Idle Fuel Used and Vehicle Angle of Inclination, amongst other data.
GEOTAB is excited about the possibilities this adds to ISUZU owners and the value that we can add to smarter fleet management.
