Italy - FPT Industrial of Turin, Italy has introduced a new longitudinal manual transmission, the FT50.6, for light commercial vehicles up to 8 tonnes gvw, which, according to the powertrain division of CNH Industrial, offers a significant upgrade on its previous-generation of longitudinal transmissions. The FT50.6 transmission consolidates its previous range of transmissions for light-duty engines into one single platform. 

The FT50.6 transmission features a new shifter system, which is derived from passenger cars to provide a smoother gear change, comfort and overall driveability. According to Andrea Abba’, responsible for product marketing of the on-road division at FPT Industrial, the free play in the gear stick has been reduced by 50% from 20mm to 10mm. Abba’ says use of fully synthetic oil, rather than semi-synthetic, extends the oil change period to 350,000km or 10 years – or potentially the equivalent of the life of the vehicle - up from 150,000km or two years. The new oil, together with new bearings, reduces friction, which increases transmission efficiency resulting in a 0.5% reduction in fuel consumption.