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Allison Transmission Acquires Electric Vehicle Divisions of 2 Companies

The manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty automatic transmissions purchases the EV systems divisions of Vantage Power and AxleTech.

April 25, 2019
2 min to read


INDIANAPOLIS — Allison Transmission announced on Monday that it has purchased Vantage Power and AxleTech’s electric vehicle (EV) systems division.

These acquisitions align with the manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty automatic transmissions’ innovator position in propulsion technology, and will complement its existing capabilities to advance electrification adoption in commercial vehicles, according to a news release from Allison Transmission.

Vantage Power is a London-based technology company specializing in developing electrified propulsion and connected vehicle technologies for medium- and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers. With particular focus on battery technology development, vehicle integration and control systems, as well as vehicle connectivity and telemetry, Vantage Power technologies have been deployed in a wide range of applications, including complete electric hybrid repower systems for buses to grid energy storage.

“Vantage Power’s entrepreneurial spirit and technological advancements complement our strategic priorities to meet and exceed our customers’ demands,” said David Graziosi, president and CEO of Allison Transmission. “Through this and other growth initiatives, we will continue to build upon our conventional and electric hybrid products today while differentiating ourselves in the electrification and fuel cell markets.”

Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, technology company AxleTech designs, engineers, manufactures, sells, and services axles and integrated electrified axle solutions for on- and off-highway heavy-duty commercial vehicles. With industrial roots established in 1919, the company’s nearly 800 worldwide employees drive the company’s development of advanced powertrain systems, axles, components, and aftermarket parts for global customers.

“AxleTech’s highly integrated solutions in the EV space and their presence in Allison’s end markets complement our position as a leading propulsion solutions provider,” Graziosi said. “The talented individuals and products within AxleTech’s EV systems division and their capabilities will combine well with our current products expertise to create and provide unmatched propulsion solutions.”

Allison Transmission has more than 103 years of history in leading technological advancements, from James Allison owning the winning racecar of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in 1915 to building every transmission in the United States Army’s Abrams Battle Tank, according to the manufacturer.

Allison added that it is building upon the legacy of those and other advancements with an electrification strategy that leverages and extends current electric hybrid technologies, develops new electrified propulsion solutions, and expands system and integration level capabilities in alternative propulsion.

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