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In Europe there is considerable growth in the application of automated manual transmissions (AMT) predominantly for reasons of cost and CO2 efficiency. It is believed that restricted functionality and the poor shift quality of this “first wave” of manual-based transmissions may hinder this trend being repeated in markets dominated by conventional automatic transmissions (ATs) such as the USA. This paper addresses two areas: Results and analysis of measured and subjective data from a comprehensive, independent survey of six AMT vehicles available in Europe. Techniques to predict subjective ratings of shift quality from physical variables. Data is presented from a wider survey of current production “robotised” manual transmissions sold in the European market. This study included vehicles from B, C, and D/E classes and the light truck sector.

Persisting concerns regarding ride comfort, directional stability and more recently road damage have caused the manufacturers of commercial vehicles to consider controllable suspension systems. An electronically controllable adaptive suspension that comprises a variable spring rate system, switchable damping and load levelling is proposed as a cost-effective solution. This paper describes the aforementioned system and provides an outline of the design scheme for a prototype system; practical issues such as system configuration/detail, control system requirements, etc., are discussed. The system is evaluated analytically and both ride and handling modes are examined. In conclusion, performance capabilities are defined and cost-benefit issues addressed.