Allison Transmission key to AOS Grand Toro’s UK & Ireland success

Since its UK and Ireland launch in 2022, the AOS-branded Grand Toro midi bus from Anadolu Isuzu has achieved strong market growth. Sales in excess of 80 units have been achieved, care of West Sussex-based distributor, EVM UK Ltd.

The 8.5-metre, 35/37-seat midi bus (or 35-seat in the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) compliant model, which has space for a wheelchair) features a Cummins B4 4.5-litre 206 horsepower engine driving through an advanced Allison T 3270R xFETM six-speed fully automatic transmission with integral retarder.

Both Allison and Cummins are familiar and trusted names in the Western European market, giving operators the confidence to choose a coach that comes from a new brand to the market. Anadolu Isuzu is a Japanese Turkish joint-venture, based in Istanbul, between Anadolu Group, Isuzu Motors Co., Ltd., Itochu Co. and HICOM.

Typically, converted mini coaches have a capacity of under 30 passengers with luggage, while full-size coaches tend to start with over 40 seats. Small groups of passengers from the corporate or special occasion markets often require a premium experience, which the AOS Grand Toro can provide.

“The Grand Toro’s engine and transmission are well integrated and work well together both mechanically and through the driveline management software,” said Danny McGee, managing director of EVM UK Ltd. “Allison obviously has an excellent reputation as a manufacturer, and that is further reinforced by the strength of its service network.

The xFE transmission’s internal gear ratios are optimised to minimise fuel consumption, while its shifting strategy is controlled by Allison’s FuelSense 2.0 software package to always shift between ratios at the ideal speed for maximum economy. This yields longer periods of transmission lock up and extended cruising at low engine speeds.

In stop-start conditions, the Allison xFE transmission automatically selects neutral at a standstill, reducing parasitic drag and optimising fuel use. The passenger experience is enhanced by Allison’s Continuous Power Technology, which allows seamless shifting, even under full-power application.