Driveline Technology: It is the bus driver’s job to make the ride swift and yet comfortable. Transmissions and driveline components from ZF provide for dynamic acceleration, smooth shifting, and quiet running. With their high reliability and ease of operation, drivers can focus all of their attention on the road.

Ecomat 4; an automatic transmission which is safe, economical, and comfort-enhancing with an integrated retarder and a torsion-damped converter designed for city buses, i.e. for mainly low engine speeds, stop-and-go driving, and tuned for the specific local topography. With 6 gears, combined with a short ratio ZF drive axle, it can save 6 to 10 percent in fuel in specific applications. Two optional engine-dependent power take-offs are available for use in special vehicles or fire trucks.

AS Tronic lite; an automated manual transmission which is economical yet a workhorse even for the smaller bus ranges. Public transit buses and coaches with engines up to 1,050 Nm of torque can have all the advantages of the “big” AS Tronic, despite its smaller size. The AS Tronic lite also offers the choice of automatic and manual shifting. Fast shifting times provide the dynamics, increases clutch life, and reduces fuel consumption needed to keep operating costs down.

EcoLife; a 6-speed automatic transmission which can handle more input torque, has a longer service life and reduces fuel consumption. EcoLife is ideally suited for higher torques of up to 2,000 Nm of city and intercity buses. The newly developed and highly efficient cooling system has no problem servicing modern engines, which can run up to 15% hotter. With the new torque converter fitted with a torsional damper, EcoLife achieves better acceleration values and it doesn’t require additional installation space. The lock-up clutch closes quicker resulting in a fuel saving when driving of, which generally requires more fuel. Depending on the application, EcoLife can reduce fuel consumption by up to 5 percent.

ZF-Intarder; a very effective transmission brake which handles up to 90 percent of everyday braking actions. The ZF-Intarder is wear free, protects the service brakes, and thus means fewer expensive brake lining replacements. It is suitable for all types of commercial vehicles with both automated and manual transmissions. The new Intarder generation can be combined with the cruise control function and is thus especially suitable for long distance travel. It can also preheat the transmission fluid in order to reach the optimal operating temperature quicker.