Acquisitions accelerate Allison Transmission’s electrification strategy

Allison Transmission Holdings Inc., the largest global manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty fully automatic transmissions, announced the completion of two acquisitions — Vantage Power, a UK-based start-up in electrification, battery systems, and vehicle telematics, and AxleTech’s electric vehicle systems division (EVS).

Both of these acquisitions align with Allison’s leading innovator position in propulsion technology, and will complement its existing capabilities to advance electrification adoption in commercial vehicles.

Moving forward, Allison Transmission’s electrification strategy entails leveraging and growing current capabilities and technologies to provide a full range of electrification solutions. Completion of these acquisitions not only complements, but will also accelerate Allison Transmission’s electrification strategy, and research and development in digitalization and connectivity.

The acquisition of these two innovative organizations will allow Allison to lead the commercial vehicle industry forward with highly integrated electrified propulsion solutions, as well as, compete in electrified systems.

The acquired AxleTech product lines are highly integrated, e-axle solutions, the first of their kind in the heavy-duty truck and bus markets. These differentiated products provide a substantial increase in power density and capability versus competitive products.

AxleTech is a leading technology company that 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 to develop advanced powertrain systems, axles, components and aftermarket parts for global customers. The EV systems division is located at AxleTech’s headquarters in Troy, Michigan, U.S.A.

“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,” said David S. Graziosi, president and CEO of Allison Transmission. “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.”

Vantage Power is an award-winning 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 Graziosi. “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.”

Founded in 1915, Allison Transmission is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. and employs approximately 2,900 people worldwide. With a market presence in more than 80 countries, Allison has regional headquarters in the Netherlands, China and Brazil with manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Hungary and India.