Growing use of automatic transmissions signals shift in Middle East’s public transport sector
Allison Transmission, a global leader in fully automatic transmissions for commercial vehicles, marked a key milestone during the 2025 Hajj season with the introduction of 12-metre Kinglong city buses equipped with its technology for the first time.
This achievement comes amid rising demand for Allison’s high-performance drivetrain solutions across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, driven by continued investment in tourism, public mobility, and intercity transport, particularly in premium segments.
The company’s Torqmatic Series, which is designed specifically for high-end coach and bus applications, is becoming the transmission of choice for operators prioritizing refinement, reliability, and passenger comfort.
In the Middle East, the Torqmatic Series is already widely deployed in both premium and high-capacity applications. During previous Hajj seasons, the series played a crucial role in efficiently transporting millions of pilgrims across long distances and extreme terrain in Saudi Arabia through coach buses. The series already powers over 500 airport shuttle buses, all operating at major airports across the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Together, these deployments reflect a regional shift toward smooth, fuel-efficient and low-maintenance automatic transmissions that elevate both operational uptime and passenger experience.
The series includes a range of models engineered for various fleet needs. Among those used across key GCC countries are the T2100xFE, T270R, T350R, T375R, and T390R, which support different horsepower and torque levels and are fitted into 8-metre, 10-metre, and 12-metre vehicles in city and intercity operations across the region.
The T525R transmission, part of the same family, is engineered for long-haul, city-tour, and VIP shuttle vehicles requiring smooth and high-performance drivetrains. It features six forward gears, one reverse gear, sixth-generation electronic controls for enhanced diagnostics and fuel efficiency, and an integral retarder to support smooth deceleration and reduced brake wear, which are key attributes for luxury and high-mileage fleets.
The Middle East’s growing preference mirrors global trends. In the UK, Sharpes of Nottingham, a major premium executive coach operator, has recently committed to standardising future fleet orders with the Allison T525R after achieving excellent results in its Van Hool TX21 Altano. Sharpes serves clients across corporate hospitality, football teams, and luxury tours, and is next equipping its Van Hool T17 Astron with Allison.
Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, Area Manager for Middle East and Pakistan at Allison Transmission, said: “Luxury and mass transport operators in the Middle East are looking for more than just performance as they’re seeking refinement, reliability, and an exceptional passenger experience. Demand globally echoes what we’re seeing in this region, where demand is rising for drivetrain solutions that elevate comfort without compromising on durability. From high-end tourism to VIP mobility and hospitality fleets, Allison’s transmissions deliver the smooth, seamless drive expected in premium transport.”
Allison Transmission has a long-standing presence across the GCC, supporting major fleets in markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Its technology powers a wide variety of applications, including high-capacity intercity buses, airport shuttles, school buses, VIP tour coaches, and government mobility fleets. The company also offers region-specific service and support infrastructure, including training, diagnostics, and parts availability, reinforcing Allison’s commitment to uptime and operational excellence.
Allison products are used in a wide variety of applications, including on-highway trucks (distribution, refuse, construction, fire and emergency), buses (school, transit and coach), motorhomes, off-highway vehicles and equipment (energy, mining and construction applications) and defense vehicles (tactical wheeled and tracked). Founded in 1915, the company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. With a presence in more than 150 countries, Allison has regional headquarters in the Netherlands, China and Brazil, manufacturing facilities in the USA, Hungary and India, as well as global engineering resources, including electrification engineering centers in Indianapolis, Indiana, Auburn Hills, Michigan and London in the United Kingdom. Allison also has approximately 1,600 independent distributors and dealer locations worldwide.
