Vehicles and Supplies Limited (VSL) brought some new technology to the light commercial vehicle segment when it unveiled the 2020 Isuzu N-Series truck equipped with the brand’s new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).

The AMT technology takes the

benefits of both a traditional gearbox, an automatic transmission and fuses

them together. AMT equipped N-Series trucks have a manual gearbox. However, instead

of using a clutch pedal mounted in the driver cabin footwell, it uses a

computer controlled hydraulic actuator to engage the clutch by matching the

throttle and engine speed for the gear required.

Due to its operation, AMT trucks do not have three pedals like a traditional manual truck. It carries two, only the accelerator and brake. Shifting is handled by a centre consol-mounted selector as one would find in an automatic truck. Drivers can leave the vehicle in automatic, allowing it to shift as necessary, or place the lever in manual mode to choose whatever gear is wanted. There are also two other functions, economy and first start. Economy mode tells the AMT to shift earlier in the rev range to decrease fuel usage by 10 per cent. First start, locks the AMT in first gear for starts on inclines or if the vehicle is hauling a heavy load.

According to Tetsuya Fujita, general manager of Isuzu Motors Ltd’s Latin America & Caribbean International Sales Department, the main benefit of AMT is safety. It achieves that by removing the stress of operating a manual gearbox giving the driver more time to take in their surroundings and any potential hazards. AMT’s main advantage is most evident in stop-and-go urban traffic. AMT increases the potential driver pool as its ease of operation means those not familiar with manual transmissions can now drive the truck.

The benefits of AMT continue, delivering fuel economy close to the traditional manual version, lower maintenance costs, smoother operation, and a slightly lower price than an automatic transmission equipped N-Series.

— Article written by Nichola Beckford