Allison-equipped CNG trucks deliver the goods for Monoprix

Reduced noise and air pollution make CNG trucks with a fully automatic transmission an ideal candidate for inner city deliveries, and with lower operating costs, fleet managers in Paris are reaping the rewards.

A fleet of 26 CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) trucks equipped with Allison’s automatic transmission is operating in Paris in a proactive move to cut pollution and increase productivity. The French supermarket chain, Monoprix, has run the vehicles since April 2008, as part of its commitment to meet forthcoming emissions legislation (Euro 6 standards, 2012).

The fleet of CNG trucks is operated on behalf of Samada (for Monoprix) by two transport partners: GT Location and Geodis Bourgey Montreuil. Of the 26 trucks, GT Location operates 10 (two Renault and eight Iveco trucks) and Geodis BM runs 16 (14 Renault trucks and two Iveco trucks).

Claude Samson, general director of Samada, the logistics arm of Monoprix, has witnessed significant improvements with the new vehicles. “We have 85 stores in and around Paris which need frequent and reliable deliveries of products. The Allison-equipped trucks outperform in terms of durability and efficiency.”

For the environment
CNG vehicles produce lower carbon dioxide and nitrous gas emissions than diesel powered vehicles. With an automatic, fuel efficiency is improved, especially in heavy traffic conditions requiring frequent stops and starts. Noise pollution can be a significant problem for inner city residents. However, noise pollution can be improved by Allison’s helical gears which help minimise vehicle noise.

Renault Trucks PVI: “Allison transmission – a natural option”
The CNG trucks were supplied by Renault and comprise four 4x2 Midlum 230.16 CNG (payload of 16 tonnes) and fourteen Premium Distribution 280.26 CNG (payload of 26 tonnes) with two or three axles. PVI, a subsidiary of Ponticelli and partner of Renault, designs and manufactures the trucks.

“An Allison fully automatic transmission was the natural option for us,” says Epvre Delquié, sales director of PVI. “We have found the transmission is perfectly adapted to city driving. In the last ten years we have used Allison equipped trucks for refuse collection, the ease and comfort is unrivalled.”

All the Monoprix vehicles are equipped with the six speed Allison 3200 Series. Delquié highlights the advantages such a transmission can offer a driver: “Gear changes are smooth and independent of the driver, which means they can pay more attention to traffic. We have found there are few products that can beat Allison’s smooth power delivery.”

An integrated retarder helps service brake wear and keeps maintenance costs low– a benefit PVI appreciates: “Maintenance costs are lower than those for a manual transmission. With a suitable transmission fluid, oil changes are every forty-eight months or 240,000 km.”

Iveco: “Allison transmission reduces fuel consumption”
According to Stéphan Loser, Iveco’s product design and constructor relations manager, fuel consumption is better too: “Allison transmission reduces fuel usage by avoiding over revving the engine.”

One of the first manufacturers to embrace CNG, the Fiat Group offers the Stralis CNG – available in 18 and 26 tonnes with the option of either a two or three axle configuration. The trucks purchased by one of Samada’s partners, GT Location, are 6x2 refrigerated long trucks (8.7m) specification 260 S 27 PS-CNG. They are equipped with a 270 horsepower Cursor 8 engine and 3200 Series transmission. Once again, particular attention has been given to noise reduction. The drivers’ cabin is fitted with a protective honeycomb layer that covers the floor and back doors and refrigerated section.

Jean-Luc Rodriguez, GT Location’s technical director believes that the commitment to overall reduced emissions has been fulfilled. “These trucks have a more positive impact on the environment. Allison’s automatic transmission can reduce fuel consumption.”

Geodis BM: "The Allison transmission compensates for lower engine power"
Samada’s other logistics partner; Geodis Bourgey Montreuil is also delighted. “CNG powered vehicles have a lower engine torque compared to diesel powered trucks.” Says Eric Lamboley, “However, the Allison overcomes this making the most of the power available. This is most apparent during acceleration from standstill, even on an incline.”

Cyrille Campos, driver: "Gear changes are smooth and instinctive"
In a Stralis CNG truck, Cyrille Campos cruises the streets of inner-city Paris for GT Location and has done for the past four months. Campos must deliver to three or four Monoprix stores a day, he appreciates the ease and smooth drive an automatic transmission can offer:

"Gear shifts were sometimes difficult in other trucks I have driven, but this transmission is smooth and instinctive. Even in the centre of Paris, where heavy traffic requires frequent stops and starts, gear changes remain smooth. I feel comfortable and calm in the rush hour chaos.”

Saving money
Using an Allison means engine downsizing is possible together with its advantages in areas such as capital costs and vehicle maintenance. Alexis Lalanne, market developer for Allison France agrees: "With an Allison transmission, gear changes are automatic, without loss of torque. This means all the available power of the vehicle can be used. The energy delivered is superior to a manual or automated-manual transmission. In addition, the return on investment of an automatic Allison transmission is largely compensated during the vehicle's life cycle."

Both Samada and Geodis Bourgey Montreuil are keen to expand the fleet programme. “We intend to explore CNG technology further with our clients. Presently we are in talks with other users in the distribution industry,” says Samson. “We intend to replace the older diesel trucks with the newer automatic CNG ones to keep our operating costs low,” adds Lamboley.