Fiat Professional – the new name for the Italian automaker’s light commercial vehicle unit – will launch a new generation of so-called ‘robotised gearbox’ (aka automated manual; a manual gearbox with an automatic clutch and automated gear shifts) called Comfort-Matic at the Dusseldorf Caravan Salon on 24 August.
Go deeper with GlobalData
From January 2008 the new unit will be optional in the automaker’s Ducato van line (sold around the world) with ‘160 Multijet Power’ engine (one of the European industry’s impressive turbodiesels with three-litre capacity, 157hp maximum power and 400Nm of peak torque).
Fiat claimed the Comfort-Matic gearbox combines the excellent performance of the diesel engine with the low fuel consumption of a mechanical transmission and the simplicity and ease of use of an automatic.
“The new option is therefore sure to attract the interest of sector professionals as well as free-time enthusiasts who, among other things, will appreciate its exclusive combination with the leather-lined steering wheel and gearlever knob,” the pre-launch publicity blurb gushed.
Fiat reckons the Comfort-Matic option will appeal to buyers who operate Ducato recreational vehicles (it’s a popular motor caravan platform here in Europe), delivery vans and minibuses used within city limits, and postal services and couriers.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData“During the development stage in particular, great attention was paid to the adaptation and personalisation of the gearbox for recreational vehicles,” Fiat said.
“Hence the use of camper-like prototypes for the fine-tuning and testing phase, with faithful reproduction of the front surface configurations, gross vehicle weight and conditions of use typical of this class of vehicle.
“In addition, as is often the case with trailers and motor homes which by their very nature are employed in conditions of maximum load, [the Comfort-Matic features] an ‘up’ button which makes it possible to optimise gear change points automatically, thus guaranteeing optimal engine revs in all circumstances and improving performance in particularly demanding conditions or on steep slopes.”
Fiat refers to the gearbox as an ‘MTA’ (for manual transmission automated) and it consists of a traditional mechanical gearbox on which the manual lever control is replaced by an actuator that is electronically controlled by a TCU (transmission control unit).
The gearbox has six forward gears (plus reverse) with modes that either change gear fully automatically or allow the driver manual sequential selection (with some automated override to avoid, say, starting off in sixth). In manual mode the driver can choose the ratio using the joystick gear lever on the dashboard.
Automatic modes include: uphill – downhill: gear changing logics operated by software to select the best ratio depending on the road gradient; ‘warm up mode’: an emission reduction setting for cold starts; ‘brake assistance mode’: reduction of ratios to support vehicle deceleration; ‘kick down mode’: reduction in the ratio following abrupt acceleration (for example while overtaking); and ‘fast off detection’: gearbox inhibition if the accelerator is released rapidly.
Compared to traditional automatic gearboxes, the Ducato’s Comfort-Matic ‘box is about 30% lighter and fuel economy is better, along with “an appreciable reduction in the cost of maintenance and repairs”, according to the automaker.
Automated manuals like these are becoming a common option in Europe for light commercials and A to C-segment cars due to their reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to conventional torque converter full-automatic transmissions.
CO2 emission reduction will become increasingly important as EU countries introduce CO2 emissions-based vehicle taxation regimes while the EC demands the motor industry works towards average fleet emissions of 120g/km.
Continuously-variable transmissions (CVT), also more fuel-efficient than conventional automatics, are becoming more common in Europe, especially in larger (D-segment and up) cars, and are favoured particularly by Audi, Nissan and, most recently, Ford.
