Allison T2500LRD Transmission Standard on Two Bus Models

Allison Transmission Japan Co., Ltd. has announced that its T2500LRD torque-converter automatic transmission will become standard equipment on two medium-duty buses in Japan: Hino Motors' Melpha tourist and shuttle bus and Isuzu Motors' Gala Mio tourist bus. The adoption marks a change in the transmission configuration of both models, which were previously equipped exclusively with automated manual transmissions (AMTs). Going forward, both buses will be available solely with the Allison automatic transmission.

The Allison T2500LRD is a six-speed automatic transmission designed for medium-duty commercial vehicles, featuring six forward gears and one reverse gear. Alongside the transmission adoption, both bus models have also received a new door-linked neutral system intended to improve safety during passenger boarding and alighting. The system automatically shifts gears when the doors open or close, helping prevent unintended vehicle movement during these passenger operations.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The adoption of Allison's torque-converter automatic transmission as standard equipment on the Hino Melpha and Isuzu Gala Mio represents a change in the transmission offerings of these medium-duty bus models in Japan. Replacing their previous AMT-only configurations with an automatic transmission establishes a single transmission option for both models. The simultaneous introduction of the door-linked neutral system also highlights the integration of a vehicle safety function alongside the transmission change, specifically addressing the risk of unintended movement during passenger boarding and alighting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which buses have adopted the Allison T2500LRD automatic transmission?
Two Japanese medium-duty bus models, the Hino Melpha and Isuzu Gala Mio, have adopted the Allison T2500LRD automatic transmission as standard equipment. The Melpha serves as a tourist and shuttle bus, while the Gala Mio is a medium-duty tourist bus. Both models previously offered automated manual transmissions exclusively. Following the change, both will be available solely with the Allison automatic transmission.

What are the specifications of the Allison T2500LRD transmission?
The Allison T2500LRD is a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission designed for medium-duty commercial vehicles. Its configuration includes six forward gears and one reverse gear. The transmission has been adopted as standard equipment for the Hino Melpha and Isuzu Gala Mio. Both models will transition from their previous AMT-only configurations to exclusively offering this automatic transmission.

What is the door-linked neutral system introduced on these buses?
The door-linked neutral system is a safety feature introduced on both bus models alongside the adoption of the Allison automatic transmission. It automatically shifts gears when the vehicle doors open or close. The system is designed to prevent accidental vehicle movement during passenger boarding and alighting, addressing a specific safety consideration associated with passenger operations on tourist and shuttle buses.

Will the Hino Melpha and Isuzu Gala Mio continue offering AMT options?
No. Both models will be available solely with the Allison T2500LRD automatic transmission following its adoption as standard equipment. Previously, the Hino Melpha and Isuzu Gala Mio were equipped exclusively with automated manual transmissions. The announced change replaces those previous AMT-only configurations with the six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

Which company supplies the automatic transmission for these bus models?
Allison Transmission Japan Co., Ltd., based in Minato Ward, Tokyo, announced the adoption of its T2500LRD automatic transmission for the two bus models. The transmission is designed for medium-duty commercial vehicles and features six forward gears and one reverse gear. Its adoption also accompanies the introduction of the door-linked neutral safety system on both the Hino Melpha and Isuzu Gala Mio.