Allison to exhibit xFE transmission at RTX
© Allison Transmission
Allison Transmission will exhibit at the Road Transport Expo (RTX) – which takes place at NAEC Stoneleigh from 30 June to 2 July – showcasing its xFE (for extra fuel economy) fully automatic transmission, a product that it says is gaining significant traction in the UK refuse collection vehicle market following a series of commercial successes.
“Since its UK launch in 2023, the Allison xFE transmission has moved from operational fleet trials to mainstream OEM specification in under three years,” said the company.
“xFE transmissions incorporate several design enhancements compared with standard configurations. The torque converter achieves lock-up in first gear, instead of second, improving low-speed efficiency, reducing converter slip and the buildup of heat in the transmission. Second, third, fifth, and sixth gear steps have been optimised to provide a more progressive and consistent shift transition through the mid‑ to upper‑range ratios. These features target improvements in fuel economy and exhaust particulates.”
It cites a 12-month back-to-back trial with waste management operator Biffa, covering real-world refuse collection duties across the West Midlands and the Wirral, which returned an average fuel saving of 4.8 per cent compared with standard Allison-equipped vehicles running identical routes. The global quoted figure stands at up to 6 per cent.
Earlier this year, refuse collection vehicle manufacturer Dennis Eagle confirmed the 3000 xFE and 3000R xFE as standard factory fit across its two- and three-axle Elite+ chassis for UK and export markets. The decision reflects both the trial results and growing international OEM adoption of the xFE range, says Allison Transmission.
Simon McCulloch, technical sales manager at Dennis Eagle, added: “At a time when operators are under increasing pressure to cut costs and reduce emissions, technologies such as automatic Neutral at Stop and shift points optimised for real-world RCV duty-cycles, combined with the trusted durability and ease of use of Allison transmissions, give fleet operators a clear edge in fuel efficiency and, in turn, reduced emissions.”
On Stand G50 at RTX, Allison will have a 3000 Series xFE transmission unit on display at its stand. Visitors will be able to speak directly with Allison’s technical and commercial team about the xFE range and its application in refuse and municipal fleet operations.
