Shanghai International Port Group Logistics reports multiple productivity and performance benefits from Shanqi yard tractors fitted with Allison automatic transmission
INDIANAPOLIS – Allison Transmission, the world's leading supplier of commercial duty fully automatic transmissions has partnered with Shanqi to bring the benefits of automatic transmissions to ever growing numbers of port operators throughout China. 306 Allison fitted Shanqi yard tractors are already in use across the country. Shanqi has chosen to increase the number of Allison equipped tractors they produce in 2008, due to the unmatched value the Allison Automatics provide. Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) Logistics, exclusive operator of all public terminals in the Port of Shanghai, operates over 300 Allison fitted Shanqi yard tractors, and has reported a series of business benefits including reduced vehicle maintenance and downtime, excellent support service and ease of use.
Allison automatic transmissions are well suited to the tough and relentless haulage conditions of the sea port environment, providing durability, reliability, increased productivity and driver comfort. With port operators under increasing pressure to achieve minimum vehicle downtime, improved performance and greater profit margins, many are turning to automatic transmissions to give them a vital competitive edge. "Allison transmissions are very suitable for the duty cycle of yard tractor operations," says Mr. Chen Tie, Senior Engineer from SIPG Logistics' Engineering and Technology Department. "With frequent start/stops, constant turning and heavy haulage at low speeds, manual trucks can experience lots of clutch and transmission problems, require frequent repair and maintenance and excessive downtime. Allison reduces vehicle problems and downtime – as well as relieving drivers from the hard work of constant shifting."
Shanqi yard tractors are fitted with the Allison 3500 Series transmissions, part of Allison's 3000 Series range of high performance transmissions which include electronic control features such as auto neutral and RELS (Reduced Engine Load at Stop) to improve fuel efficiency, reduce wear and tear, and increase productivity. Allison is also introducing a new load-based shifting feature which automatically selects an economy shift mode when conditions allow. This means that optimal fuel economy can be achieved without driver intervention while still enabling high productivity during heavily loaded situations.
Allison's close partnership with Shanqi means customers benefit from high quality service and prompt attention when it comes to support, maintenance and spare parts. "The customer support and service for both the vehicle and the transmission system are excellent. Our local OEM responds promptly to any requests and it is easy to get spare parts and have any problems fixed quickly," says Mr Chen.
Yard tractor suppliers are also benefiting from Shanqi's partnership with Allison, as Mr Fu Guojian, General Manager of Xin Shanqi Automobile Sales & Service Co. explains: "Since we sold our first 22 Allison fitted Shanqi yard tractors in 2004, they have demonstrated great reliability and durability. The production of these tractors fitted with Allison automatics is increasing quickly, and they are ideally suited to sea and river ports."
Traditionally, the demand for yard tractors in China has been met by expensive, mostly manual imports. Increasingly, however, Chinese OEMs such as Shanqi are developing their local market, producing cost effective, high performance alternatives, which can be sold for up to 60 percent less than imports. Partnerships with companies such as Allison are enabling this local market development to take place, helping to improve the quality of yard tractors made within China, and creating strong demand among port operators.
"Allison has maintained a very strong position in the global yard tractor market for years thanks to the total value that the Allison Automatic offers in this vocation," says Vincent Yang, Sales and Customer Support Manager from Allison in China. "The Shanqi – Allison combination provides benefits such as increased productivity, reduced vehicle maintenance along with excellent customer support which translates to high customer value offering a strong package to this important segment in China and other markets throughout South East Asia".
About Allison Transmission, Inc.
Allison Transmission, Inc (Allison) is the premier global provider of commercial duty automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems. Allison products are specified by over 250 of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers and are used in many market sectors including bus, refuse, fire, construction, distribution, military and specialty applications. Founded in 1915, the Allison business is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. and employs 3,600 people. Regional headquarters with dedicated support staff are located in China, The Netherlands, Brazil and Japan. With a global presence in 80 countries, Allison has over 1,500 distributor and dealer locations. Allison generates annual revenues in excess of $2 billion. More information about Allison is available at www.allisontransmission.com.