Madrid equips firefighting fleet with Allison Transmission
Iain Hoey
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Renault Trucks and Allison Transmission have announced that the Madrid Fire Department has selected Allison-equipped Renault Trucks vehicles as part of the renewal process set out in its 2019-2029 Firefighting Fleet Operational Plan.
The vehicles supplied include seven light urban fire trucks, two automatic aerial ladder trucks and four heavy-duty wildland fire trucks, all equipped with Allison fully automatic transmissions.
The Madrid Fire Department recently took delivery of 13 Allison-equipped Renault Trucks vehicles at a ceremony held at the Caja Mágica complex and attended by José Luis MartÃnez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid; Inmaculada Sanz, Delegate for Security and Emergencies and municipal spokesperson; Loreto Sordo, Councilor for the Usera District; Javier Hernández, General Coordinator for Security and Emergencies; Enrique López, Director General for Emergencies and Civil Protection; and Rafael Ferrándiz, Chief of the Madrid Fire Department.
Ensuring compliance
Juan Antonio Sánchez, Key Account Sales Manager at Renault Trucks España commented: “The most remarkable feature of these vehicles is the spaciousness of the Renault Trucks cab, equipped with individual Bostrom seats and an internal anti-roll cage. This ensures compliance with current legislation and guidelines for vehicles of this type, in addition to providing greater capacities, dimensions and dynamics than those required of category-2 wildland fire trucks.
“An example is the 36º angle of approach. Moreover, Allison’s continuous torque offers greater acceleration and lower power loss when shifting gears.”
Inside the trucks
The seven light urban fire trucks, with Iturri bodywork mounted on the D 2.1 240.12 4×2 FPTL chassis, are fitted with Allison 2000 Series transmissions and feature Renault Trucks double cabs in accordance with the EN 1846 standard. These cabs have a 2-3 seat arrangement with Bostrom co-driver seats and three forward-facing rear seats.
The two automatic aerial ladder trucks, with Flomeyca bodywork mounted on the D 2.1 280.16 4×2 chassis, are equipped with Allison 3000 Series fully automatic transmissions. This model features a 3,500-millimeter wheelbase, special wide wheels on the rear axle and a maximum cab chassis width of 2,395 millimeters.
The four heavy-duty wildland fire trucks, with Iturri bodywork mounted on the D 2.1 280.14 4×4 CCR chassis, are equipped with the Allison 3000R transmission with output retarder for enhanced braking and reduced brake wear. These trucks feature Renault Trucks EN 1846-compliant double cabs with a 2-3 seat arrangement, Bostrom co-driver seats and three forward-facing rear seats, in accordance with the NFX61517 standard.
Sánchez continued: “The Allison 3000 Series with retarder guarantees the performance needed to satisfy the specific requirements of rural firefighting. Above all, I would highlight the contribution of the Allison fully automatic transmission when tackling long descents or steep grades.”
Trond Johansen, Director, European Area Sales at Allison Transmission, said: “It is a pleasure to work with Renault Trucks in fitting out this type of vehicle and bringing automation to the fire department. Obviously, a contract like this with the Madrid City Council reflects the fact that Allison automatic transmissions are highly valued for their great reliability, increased vehicle acceleration capacity of up to 35%, smoothness, uninterrupted power during gear shifts and total vehicle control, all of which are vital in extreme emergency situations.”
Sánchez added: “Renault Trucks and Allison have been working together for decades and are leaders in the industry. With so many drivers assigned to the same truck, Allison fully automatic transmissions ensure maximum vehicle performance in terms of safety, speed and maneuverability.”