Voith Introduces New Technology to Improve Fuel Economy on City Transit Buses

YORK, Pa., May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Voith has introduced its patented SensoTop technology for heavy-duty transit buses into the North American market.  SensoTop is designed to optimize bus transmission gear-shifting to reduce fuel consumption, saving transit systems money and further advancing Voith's strong commitment to environmental sustainability.  Last year, Voith opened a hybrid power-train development center near San Diego which will further develop Voith's innovative hybrid diesel/electric power-train drive systems for transit buses.

SensoTop is based on Voith's DIWA transmission system, but is equipped with an additional maintenance-free inclination sensor which will automatically adapt gear-shifts based on topography of the bus route.  Based on preliminary tests, 2-5% in fuel savings is expected depending on the route.

"We're very excited about the release of SensoTop in North America," DIWA Sales Manager Brian Sharp said. "SensoTop will save transit systems money through improved fuel efficiency while making their buses more environmentally-friendly.  We look forward to working with our customers to implement this technology on municipal transit buses across North America. This continues our commitment to providing them with transit technology that adds both economic and environmental value."

The need for SensoTop technology is clear.  Fuel consumption accounts for up to 30% of the operating costs for municipal transit buses.  As fuel costs rise, the importance of saving money will only continue to increase for transit authorities.  The reduction in fuel consumption will also lead to lower CO2 emissions, translating into more environmentally-friendly transit systems.

To achieve maximum fuel efficiency, SensoTop automatically adapts the gear-shifts of the DIWA transmission to the prevailing topography and load conditions.  On ascending routes, SensoTop will adjust the gear-shifts to the precise power needed by the driver, while minimum engine speed is achieved on descending routes.

While ideal for hilly or mountainous routes, SensoTop achieved fuel savings even on relatively flat routes.  The technology is currently being tested in a number of North American cities, including Portland, Oregon and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

SensoTop has been approved for use with clean diesel engines and does not infringe on EPA emission standards.  For more information about SensoTop technology, please contact Brian Sharp at 905-670-3122 or [email protected].

Voith Turbo, the specialist for hydrodynamic drive, coupling and braking systems for road, rail and industrial applications, as well as for ship propulsion systems, is a Group Division of Voith GmbH.

Voith sets standards in the markets energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transportation & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith employs more than 40,000 people, generates euro 5.6 billion in sales, operates in over 50 countries around the world and is today one of the biggest family-owned companies in Europe.

CONTACT:  Lewis Lowe, 202-333-2234
[email protected]

SOURCE Voith