Allison Transmission Powers South America’s First-Ever School Buses Equipped with Automatic Transmissions

Allison Transmission, a global leader in propulsion technology, is supporting Brazil’s modernization of student transportation through the delivery of microbuses from Brazilian OEM Volare, a Marcopolo South America business division. The buses are equipped with Allison’s T2100 automatic transmissions with extra fuel efficiency (xFE™). In collaboration with the National Fund for Educational Development (FNDE), these vehicles represent the first school buses with fully automatic transmissions in South America.

Redenção, a municipality in the state of Ceará, is the latest recipient of the 4x4 Volare school buses featuring Allison’s transmissions. The effort across several Brazilian states is part of the Caminho da Escola Program, which aims to provide public school students with access to safer and more reliable transportation. These buses ensure that students who travel long distances on unpaved rural roads have daily access to educational institutions.

Volare buses, available in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, are engineered for rough terrain that is common in Brazil's North and Northeast. Allison's fully automatic transmissions eliminate the need for manual gear shifts, simplifying operation on roads with mud, gravel, or steep inclines. Drivers report less physical strain and greater control, particularly in challenging driving conditions.

Allison Automatics use a torque converter to deliver continuous power and offer a smooth driving experience. They eliminate torque interruptions when a driver shifts gears, which occur with manual and automated manual transmissions (AMTs). The Allison fully automatic transmission’s design provides superior performance, reduced maintenance and greater driver control.