Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. announced that the next generation of tactical trucks for the French Land Forces will be equipped with its Specialty Series fully automatic transmissions. The Allison 4500 SP will serve as the standard offering on these tactical trucks, which are built on Daimler Truck's Zetros 6x6 chassis. This selection follows the awarding of the "Porteurs Logistiques 6 Tonnes" (PL6T) contract by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces to Arquus for the "Zetros by Arquus" vehicle. This multi-million-dollar program represents a significant commitment to modernizing the logistics and operational capabilities of French Land Forces.

Contract and Program Details

The PL6T program will produce and deliver 7,000 defense trucks over a period of more than 10 years, beginning with initial deliveries in 2027. The "Zetros by Arquus" vehicle is the result of a strategic partnership between Arquus and Daimler Truck. The PL6T contract specifically designates the Zetros 6x6 chassis as the platform for these new logistics vehicles. The integration of the Allison 4500 SP transmission aims to enhance the mobility and performance of the fleet, addressing expanding requirements for reliable performance in highly intense, demanding operations.

Vehicle Specifications and Performance

All vehicles will feature a three-axle configuration powered by the Mercedes-Benz OM 460 engine, paired with the Allison 4500 SP automatic transmission. This combination delivers operational readiness while providing the reliability, durability and enhanced driving performance required for demanding defense operations. Allison's 4500 SP fully automatic transmission eliminates the need for manual shifting and shifts gears seamlessly without interruptions. Allison's Continuous Power Technology provides uninterrupted power to the wheels, allowing operators to focus on mission requirements and drive smoothly across all terrains.

The following table outlines the key specifications of the tactical trucks involved in the contract:

Executive Statements

"The selection of the Zetros platform with Allison's fully automatic transmission technology reflects our commitment to providing the French Armed Forces with best-in-class solutions," said Daniel Zittel, Head of Defense Sales at Daimler Truck. "This partnership leverages trust and shared commitment to deliver exceptional vehicles for modern operations. The proven reliability and driving performance of Allison transmissions will contribute significantly to vehicle readiness during field missions."

"Our partnership with Arquus and Daimler Truck represents a significant milestone in Allison's continued commitment to supporting the evolving needs of our customers in the defense sector," said Taner Gider, Executive Director, Sales, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, at Allison Transmission. "Allison's global market leadership in defense vehicle propulsion is built on our dedication to partnership and our ability to deliver the most reliable and valued propulsion solutions for mission-critical applications. The 4500 SP transmission has proven itself in the most demanding environments, and we are honored to support the modernization of the French Land Forces."