Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation worked with two of the biggest names in the trucking world to introduce two new powertrain features intended to increase fuel economy while maintaining performance for their diesel walk-in vans. The first feature introduced is the Vehicle Acceleration Rate Management System, which was developed in collaboration with Cummins. FCCC tested VARMS for use with an Allison 1000/2000 series transmission, and is expected to reduce fuel consumption by automatically engaging at low speed to discourage fast starts. VARMS will automatically disengage to meet normal driving requirements.
The second feature is Load-Based Shift Scheduling, which selects a shift schedule for the task at hand. Shift schedules will include a performance-based shifting schedule and an economy mode shifting schedule. FCCC worked with Allison to develop the LBSS. The presence of both features is expected to improve fuel economy by up to 8%.
Source: Fleetliner