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
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Deborah Lipsitz says
US Xpress told me yesterday that they intend to phase out their rigs with automatic transmissions, because the fuel savings have not made up for the additional cost of the transmission (including maintenance).