WAUKESHA, WI – Allison Transmission Inc, the world’s largest manufacturer of fullyautomatic transmissions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and hybrid-propulsion systems for city buses, announced it has invested in a non-controlling equity stake in Odyne Systems, LLC.

Odyne, a leading manufacturer of advanced hybrid control systems, designed and developed an innovative plug-in hybrid power system which interfaces with the Allison family of commercial vehicle transmissions. The new relationship between Allison and Odyne will directly benefit hybrid vehicle operators in vocations such as utility bucket trucks, digger derricks, cranes and other applications that require worksite stationary power.

“Odyne Systems’ expertise and experience in the development and manufacture of advanced hybrid control systems made them an attractive partner,” said Lawrence E. Dewey, Chairman, President and CEO of Allison Transmission. “Fundamentally, I believe commercial vehicle operators who require a clean and sustainable stationary power source will appreciate the features and benefits that Odyne and Allison bring to the industry.”

Joe Dalum, President of Odyne Systems, said, “This relationship between Allison and Odyne brings together two leading companies focused on enhancing the performance and efficiency of the overall powertrain. Our solutions help companies and communities meet sustainability objectives, lower costs and reduce worksite noise. It also becomes especially relevant with today’s varying fuel prices and the drive to reduce emission levels.”

Allison Transmission is one of the most recognized brands in the industry as a result of performance, reliability, quality and fuel efficiency. Globally, in 2011, Allison Transmission sold an estimated 62 percent of all fully-automatic transmissions in the markets it serves.

A leader in plug-in hybrid technology, Odyne has developed proprietary and patented hybrid technology combining reliable electric power conversion, power control and energy storage technology with advanced electric propulsion motors, modular battery systems and other components. Sold through a worldwide distribution network, the Odyne plug-in hybrid drive system can be installed on a wide variety of new and existing vehicles to reduce fleet operating and maintenance costs, and depending on duty cycle, to enable large trucks to obtain fuel economy improvements of up to 50 percent or greater, compared to traditional diesel engines. The systems also lower emissions and operate quietly at the job site. Johnson Controls is the exclusive supplier of lithium-ion batteries for Odyne Hybrid Power systems.