Commercial hybrid systems manufacturer, Allison Transmission has been notified that it will be awarded a $62.8 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Grant to continue its efforts to design, develop and manufacture a cost-competitive commercial hybrid truck drive system. President Obama made the announcement on August 6th in Elkhart, Indiana, during a speech in which he discussed a national investment in electric drive vehicles and component manufacturing facilities. The Allison Transmission DOE grant will further increase U.S. capacity to manufacture hybrid propulsion systems for the commercial truck market.
Allison Transmission is the leading producer of hybrid propulsion systems for the city transit bus market, a product that was also developed with support from the U.S. Department of Energy. Since 2003, Allison Transmission has produced nearly 2,300 hybrid propulsion systems for use in transit buses which operate in 126 cities. Allison Transmission hybrid propulsion systems have accumulated over 143 million miles in service and have saved an estimated 7.6 million gallons of fuel while preventing 75,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere.
“The successful completion and launch of the Allison Transmission Commercial Truck Hybrid Program will directly support our nation’s strategic energy goals while protecting our environment, creating new jobs and reducing our dependence on foreign oil,” said Lawrence E. Dewey, Allison Transmission Chairman and CEO. Dewey added, “Allison Transmission thanks those individuals and organizations, both public and private, who supported our efforts to obtain this DOE award.”
Members of the Indiana delegation who worked hand in hand with Allison Transmission to help obtain the award included U.S. Senator Evan Bayh, U.S. Senator Richard Lugar, U.S. Congressman Andre Carson, U.S. Congressman Mike Pence, U.S. Congressman Joe Donnelly and U.S. Congressman Steve Buyer. Assistance on the state level included, through Gov. Mitch Daniels’ support, the vital efforts of Mitch Roob, CEO of Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and State Representative Phil Hinkle. Mayor Greg Ballard and City County Councilwoman Marilyn Pfisterer also remain strong advocates for Allison Transmission products and employees.
Allison Transmission will produce its new commercial-duty truck hybrid system in Indianapolis, Indiana. Allison Transmission plans to collaborate with leading U.S. suppliers to produce the energy storage systems and other hybrid system components for the project.
