INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — If you are using Allison Transmission hydraulic transmissions and would like to be able to replace it someday, place your orders now because they will soon be discontinued.

Allison Transmission, a division of General Motors, will accept final orders for the MT 643 and MT 653 hydraulic transmissions through to June 28, while the AT 545 can be ordered until Jan. 31, 2003.

The phase out will complete Allison’s full transition to electronically controlled transmissions for Class 5 through 7 mid-range, on-highway products. The company’s growing portfolio of electronically controlled transmissions including the 1000/2000/2400 Series and the 3000 Series will replace the medium-duty hydraulic products.

“The transition is a significant next step in our evolution from hydraulic to electronically-controlled transmissions,” says Lynn Gibboney, manager of Allison Tactical Marketing.

“For at least 10 years, the trucking industry has been migrating toward the use of ever more efficient electronically-controlled engines. During this time, Allison has worked closely with our vehicle manufacturers to develop transmissions that marry seamlessly with these engines to deliver enhanced performance, better fuel economy, less driveline and brake wear and higher operating efficiencies and productivity.”

Company officials say service parts and ReTran for the AT and MT products will continue to be made available as long as commercial demand warrants.