Transport Topics reports that the number of heavy-duty trucks being purchased with automatic and automated transmissions continues to increase, citing conversations with industry executives and manufacturers. According to J.D. Power and Associates, such vehicles account for 23% of all heavy-duty truck sales in 2006, up from 10% in 1999.
Though automatic and automated transmissions can initially cost $4000 to $8000 more than a standard, they provide long-term savings with increased fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs.
Source: Transport Topics