Many different manufacturers of class 8 tractors are continuing to see demand for some form of automated transmissions. Here are some facts around the major OE's investment in building tractors with this newer offering :
Daimler was quoted as saying "both on-highway and vocational segments continue to experience year-over-year growth in automatic production. We anticipate seeing an ongoing trend for more fleets adopting AMT's as they realize benefits for both newer and more experienced drivers, such as ease of operation, enhanced fuel economy and safety." Daimler is building 50% of new production with some form of automation.
International stated," the recent driver shortage has driven many customers to spec transmissions that are more driver friendly than that of the typical manual transmissions." The manufacturer said they were producing more automated transmissions due to driver demand and fuel economy. Company officials qouted current production at 33%.
Kenworth announced that the T680, their flagship on-highway truck, is seeing the breakout is now 50-50 between automated and manual transmissions.
Volvo is producing 80% of their new production with the I-Shift automated transmission technology.
Volvo is producing 80% of their new production with the I-Shift automated transmission technology.
As a side note, 8 out of 10 Class 8 trucks in Europe are sold with self-shifters. The reasons include better fuel economy, easier driver recruiting, along with improved safety.
I have attached 2015 statistics on market share by manufacturers of Class 8 tractors in the U.S. below:
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