All Volvo-powered trucks built for North America will now be equipped with the I-Shift automated manual transmission (AMT) as standard equipment. The 12-speed AMT averages 28% steps between gears and uses integrated sensors to identify load and road grade and determine the right gear for conditions. I-Shift is a central component in Volvo’s XE (exceptional efficiency) powertrain package, which is designed to reduce fuel consumption by lowering engine RPM.
In 2012, more than 10% of all Volvo trucks delivered featured an XE powertrain. Sales of the Volvo I-Shift reached record levels last year, with the OEM reporting that nearly one of every two Volvo trucks built in North America featured the AMT. Customer demand for the I-Shift in North America also resulted in last year’s decision to move full assembly to the company’s Hagerstown, Md. powertrain facility.