WABCO OptiDrive's high degree of modularity significantly reduces the development time required for application to transmission and vehicle platforms, enabling faster time to market for vehicle and transmission manufacturers.

In 1986, WABCO introduced the first electronic transmission automation system for commercial vehicles, an industry breakthrough, and today the company is a leader in transmission automation technology based on more than 20 years of experience in driveline controls. Covering nearly all applications in medium and heavy duty trucks as well as buses, WABCO’s OptiDrive, a new modular automated transmission system consists of three core components: a cabin mounted shift lever unit, including the system’s electronic control unit; a shift actuator mounted on the gearbox, and a clutch actuator.

Depending on the driver’s preference, WABCO’s OptiDrive can change gears in full automatic mode or as initiated by the driver. By optimizing the gear shifting process, OptiDrive improves vehicle control and enhances comfort. It also significantly contributes to lower average fuel consumption by shifting at the most effective speed, a major cost saving over the vehicle’s lifetime.

In addition, OptiDrive will significantly reduce the total cost of ownership of a vehicle as more accurately controlled shifting operations result in less wear among components. Compared with a manual transmission, OptiDrive requires less driver training as it further simplifies vehicle operation, resulting in increased driver awareness for traffic conditions and improved road safety.