Assembly of Mack’s mDRIVE automated manual transmission began today at the Hagerstown, Md., powertrain facility where Mack powertrain components have been assembled since 1961.
“Expanding our manufacturing activities in the U.S. is important to Mack,” said Kevin Flaherty, president of Mack Trucks North American Sales & Marketing. “Bringing mDRIVE assembly to the Hagerstown facility while also meeting the growing demand we’ve seen since the transmission’s introduction in 2010 exemplifies our commitment to investing in what our customers need.”
More than a third of the highway trucks currently rolling off the assembly line at Mack’s Macungie, Pa. truck plant feature the automated manual transmission which is available on Mack’s Pinnacle model highway tractors. mDRIVE, which gives customers significantly improved fuel efficiency, is designed and engineered to work exclusively with the MP series engines as part of Mack’s Pedigree Powertrain offering – engine, transmission and axles are all Mack proprietary components.
“The mDRIVE transmission allows Mack to further capitalize on its 112-year legacy as an integrated manufacturer delivering improved fuel efficiency, better drivability and enhanced driver satisfaction,” Flaherty said. “Smooth automated shifting continues to win driver favor as a growing number of customers, including liquid bulk and fuel haulers, transition their fleets to mDRIVE. The mDRIVE automated manual transmission is simple to use and contributes to safety and driver retention.”
U.S. production of the transmission was made possible through an $8 million investment in the Hagerstown manufacturing plant to create a new assembly line, install the necessary equipment and train personnel. The investment also created 50 new jobs at the facility.
For a video about the opening of the new AMT line and the Mack mDRIVE, please visit Mack’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa_rv8-rrMo.