Bonluck pairs with Allison auto

Bus and coach specialist Bonluck is fitting Allison automatic transmissions to its Australian-spec articulated bus, the Citystar Artic

Allison Transmission has for the first time had its products installed in articulated buses in Australia, following a deal signed recently between the company and Chinese bus and coach manufacturer, Bonluck.

Bonluck recently opted for Allison’s Torqmatic T390R automatic transmission in its Citystar Artic buses, where they have been mated with Cummins 340B ISL engines.

The buses accommodate up to 97 passengers – 77 seated and a further 20 standing.

Two such Citystar Artics are already in service in the Brisbane region, where they’re servicing school routes and handling local charter work for Brisbane Bus Lines.

Rodd Hood (pictured), Director of Bonluck’s Australian importer, Bus and Coach Sales Australasia, says Allison’s T390R was simply the best offering for the job at hand.

“Allison is the best transmission for the application due to the high quality shifts,” he says.

“Buses are lighter than trucks and ride comfort is important for both operators and passengers, so a transmission with lumpy shifts just isn’t acceptable. Allison transmissions provide a smooth shift every time and also allow the driver to focus on the road, ensuring safety and comfort for passengers.

“A number of operators are also recording significant fuel savings by using our Allison-equipped Bonluck models when compared with other automatic buses."

Manual transmissions were dropped from Bonluck’s Australian line-up just over five years ago.

“We decided to go completely automatic in 2008 because the market was trending that way, and our decision has been vindicated by the strong acceptance of the product,” says Hood.

Bonluck pairs with Allison auto

Tags