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1911 - 1920
1915
James A. Allison establishes the Speedway Team Company to support his Indianapolis 500 racing activities. From the very beginning, Quality and workmanship established the foundation of the company's business philosophy; and this quote by Jim Allison hung on a sign in the shop...
1917
One day after World War I is declared, Jim Allison instructs his Speedway Team Company to cease all activities associated with race cars. He informs the media that the Indianapolis 500 will be cancelled until the war ends. Shortly thereafter, the Speedway Team Company applies its automotive engineering...
1920
The Speedway Team Company changes its name to the Allison Engineering Company. By this time, Allison's reputation for quality is firmly established and the company receives recognition from the U.S. Bureau of Aircraft Production for its Liberty aircraft engines. Soon after the end of World...
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1921 - 1930
1926
Allison General Manager and Chief Engineer Norman H. Gilman develops steel-backed bronze bearings that extend the service life of aircraft engines for the U.S. military. Soon, Allison will supply steel-backed bearing to aircraft engine manufacturers worldwide including Pratt & Whitney...
1927
At the request of the U.S. Navy, work begins on a 6-cylinder, in-line diesel engine with intake ports on the bottom, 4-exhaust values and a Roots-type blower. The agreed upon power range was 900 hp. The development of this diesel engine would provide Allison's engineers with the powerplant experience...
1928
At the age of 55, Jim Allison suddenly dies of bronchial pneumonia and is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. Allison Engineering Company is put up for sale with this stipulation: "Offers would only be considered from buyers intending to maintain its assets and operations in Indianapolis...
1929
General Motors purchases Allison Engineering Company for $400,000, from the Fisher Brothers, and names Norman Gilman president and general manager. Gilman believes the company should develop a primary product and directs his team to design a 1,000 hp liquid-cooled aircraft engine. Skeptics...
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1931 - 1940
1931
The U.S. Navy signs a contract with Allison to design and develop a fully reversible diesel engine in the 650 hp class to power its zeppelins. After several years, the engines Allison designed pass preliminary installation and flight tests. They were literally being prepared for shipment to the Navy...
1937
Allison's V1710 12-cylinder liquid-cooled aircraft engine passes its 150-hour acceptance trails, making it the first 1,000 hp American engine to accomplish this task. The Allison V1710 goes on to power many of the U.S. Army Air Corps' most famous fighters, including the North American P-51 Mustang...
1939
Building engines and service parts is only a portion of the job. The complex products shipped from Allison plants also have to be properly operated, serviced and maintained. Training pilots, engineers, mechanics and other support personnel require Allison to develop Customer Support channels for both...
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1941 - 1950
1941
War breaks out in Europe. Allison's V1710's, V3420's and their variants' are called upon to support the U.S. Army Air Corp and the nation's allied air forces.
1944
In March of 1944, Allison produces its 50,000th V1710 engine.
1946
Allison begins production of a marine gear reduction system for Detroit Diesel and enters the commercial transmission field. The first fully-automatic transmissions for off-highway operations also are introduced; they support road reconstruction, bridge building and other activities related...
1947
First Allison "V" (angle drive) transmission is shipped to GM truck and Coach Division. GM buses equipped with Allison transmissions have transported millions of passengers throughout North America for over 30 years...
1949
The first rail transmission is produced and installed in a Budd Rail Car. Budd Rail Cars are designed to move large numbers of commuters via existing railroad lines and subway infrastructure. Cities such as New York, Chicago and Boston utilize the bright aluminum Budd Rail Cars in their subway systems...
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1951 - 1960
1952
The 10,000th tracked military transmission is delivered to the U.S. Military.
1953
Allison applies its transmission expertise to the application of front-end loaders and forklift trucks at the request of Clark Equipment Corporation.
1956
Allison introduces new on-highway automatic transmission, employing a four-element torque converter, six forward speeds and one reverse. GM, Ford and Dodge commercial trucks offer vehicles with the Allison transmission.
1959
The 100,000th Allison commercial transmission is built.
1960
Progress in the development and manufacture of fully automatic transmissions for commercial and military vehicles continues at Allison. Larger off-highway trucks (40 tons to 65 tons) require the ongoing upgrade of existing transmissions. These new heavy trucks would play a major role in mining...
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1961 - 1970
1965
Allison Transmission continues to expand its market share in the U.S. military. Not only does it power more "tracked and wheeled" vehicles than any other company, it also begins to expand its presence among Allied forces. Allison receives a $44 million U.S./Federal Republic of Germany Main Battle ...
1970
Merger with Detroit Diesel Engine forms the Detroit Diesel Allison Division, with headquarters in Detroit. The AT 540™ is Allison's first automatic transmission developed specifically for vehicles in the weight class immediately above the size range of passenger cars. Based on the design of the...
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1971 - 1980
1973
A turning point with the U.S. military occurs when the fully automatic transmission is accepted as the standard power train for all trucks by the U.S. Army.
1974
Construction is started on Allison Plant 12, making it the largest single facility expansion by Allison in Indianapolis since World War II.
1975
The "V" 730™, the first new transit coach transmission since 1950, is introduced. Hundreds of thousands of these transmissions eventually power city buses throughout North America.
1980
The first X1100 production unit (for the M1A1 Abrams tank) is delivered to the U.S. Army. By 1987, more than 5,000 of these units will be manufactured. The four-speed X1100 transmission allows the 65-ton Abrams tank to accelerate from zero to 20 miles per hour in seven seconds--a feat that had never...
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1981 - 1990
1982
A first of its kind, the HT 747™ transmission is designed and built for articulated city buses.
1983
GM separates Allison Gas Turbine (AGT) from Detroit Diesel Allison. AGT goes on to become a stand-alone company that is later acquired by Rolls-Royce Plc. The CLT9880™ transmission is introduced. These units are destined for the People's Republic of China to be used in the production...
1984
WABCO Construction and Mining Equipment purchases 126 DP-8962™ transmissions for use in coal hauling vehicles destined for Turkey.
1987
Robert M. Clark Jr. held the position, Indianapolis Operations and General Manager, for the Detroit Diesel Allison Division (DDA) from 1980 to 1983. In 1987, General Motors decided Allison would return to full divisional status and the organization was separated from DDA. Roger B. Smith, GM board chairman...
1988
The AT 542™ transmissions are released for Class A motor homes. Variations of this transmission power the vast majority of Class A motor homes in North America.
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1991 - 2000
1991
After its phased-in introduction in 1991, the World Transmission™ (WT) offers a highly competitive product line not only for Allison's established markets in the United States, but also in Europe, the Asia Pacific Rim and Latin America. It is announced that the WT will be manufactured in Indianapolis.
1993
An Allison AT 545 transmission is installed in the world's first fuel cell powered city bus.
1994
John Smith is named Allison Transmission General Manager in 1994 following Bob Clark's retirement. Mr. Smith was instrumental in developing new business strategies for each of the company's major market segments; these new business strategies benefited Allison for years to come....
1997
Daniel M. Hancock is named President, Allison Transmission, following John Smith's promotion to General Motors Vice President, Cadillac Motor Car Division. Mr. Hancock's first experience with Allison was in 1983 where he served...
1999
GM/Allison hybrid bus program is demonstrated for the New York City Transit Authority.
2000
Lawrence E. Dewey is named President, Allison Transmission Division replacing Daniel M. Hancock who became Chief Executive Officer, Fiat-GM Powertrain. Mr. Dewey while at Allison Transmission worked in a variety of roles prior to becoming the division's president. He held positions...
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2001 - 2010
2003
Allison Transmission is converged with the GM Powertrain Division. GM Powertrain designs, engineers and manufactures engines, transmissions, castings and components for GM vehicles and other automotive, marine and industrial OEMs. Also in 2003, the first EP 40™/EP 50™ commercial...
2007
The Carlyle Group and Onex Corporation acquire Allison Transmission from GM for $5.6 billion.
Lawrence E. Dewey is named Chairman and CEO.
Allison Transmission produces it 5,000,000th commercial transmission.
2009
Allison receives a $62.8 Department of Energy (DOE) Cost Sharing Grant to produce commercial truck hybrid drive trains. Initial production of the H3000 ™ is scheduled to begin in 2013.
2010
Allison Transmission Chennai India manufacturing plant and regional sales offices open for business. Within in short period of time the Allison Chennai Customization and Distribution Center opens for business. Also in 2010, Allison produces its 1 millionth 1000™ /2000™ Series...
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2011 - 2012
2011
Allison Transmission files S-1 Registration Form with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; the process for an Initial Public Offering begins. During his visit to Allison Transmission's Indianapolis' operations, U.S. President Barack Obama recognizes the company as a leader in hybrid...
1915
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James A. Allison establishes the Speedway Team Company to support his Indianapolis 500 racing activities. From the very beginning, Quality and workmanship established the foundation of the company's business philosophy; and this quote by Jim Allison hung on a sign in the shop, "Whatever leaves this shop over my name must be of the finest work possible." James Allison is also one of the four founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway which opened in 1909. |
1917
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One day after World War I is declared, Jim Allison instructs his Speedway Team Company to cease all activities associated with race cars. He informs the media that the Indianapolis 500 will be cancelled until the war ends. Shortly thereafter, the Speedway Team Company applies its automotive engineering expertise toward the United States' war effort. |
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James A. Allison commits his shop's resources to support the U.S. war effort and undertakes a series of design modifications to existing military equipment. As part of those early developments, the Speedway Team Company focuses on high speed crawler-type tractors for hauling artillery and battlefield equipment, Whippet tank components, tank tracks, production superchargers and reduction gearboxes. |
1920
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The Speedway Team Company changes its name to the Allison Engineering Company. By this time, Allison's reputation for quality is firmly established and the company receives recognition from the U.S. Bureau of Aircraft Production for its Liberty aircraft engines. |
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Soon after the end of World War I, Allison Engineering is producing precision reduction-gear assemblies for the nation's Liberty aircraft engines, "V-drive marine gears," that allow a level-mounted engine to drive a yacht' angled prop shaft, four-cylinder generator sets, and 12-cylinder marine engines which produced 425 hp. |
1926
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Allison General Manager and Chief Engineer Norman H. Gilman develops steel-backed bronze bearings that extend the service life of aircraft engines for the U.S. military. Soon, Allison will supply steel-backed bearing to aircraft engine manufacturers worldwide including Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce and others. The most celebrated airplane to incorporate Allison's steel-backed bearings is Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis. And in May 1927, Lindbergh's successful airplane voyage across the Atlantic changes the way air transportation is viewed. |
1927
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At the request of the U.S. Navy, work begins on a 6-cylinder, in-line diesel engine with intake ports on the bottom, 4-exhaust values and a Roots-type blower. The agreed upon power range was 900 hp. The development of this diesel engine would provide Allison's engineers with the powerplant experience which would serve them well in the future. Diesel engine manufacturers worldwide continue to incorporate Allison transmissions into their drivetrains. |
1928
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At the age of 55, Jim Allison suddenly dies of bronchial pneumonia and is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. Allison Engineering Company is put up for sale with this stipulation: "Offers would only be considered from buyers intending to maintain its assets and operations in Indianapolis for a period of at least 10 years." Through the present, Allison Transmission's headquarters and primary manufacturing base remain in Indianapolis. |
1929
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General Motors purchases Allison Engineering Company for $400,000, from the Fisher Brothers, and names Norman Gilman president and general manager. Gilman believes the company should develop a primary product and directs his team to design a 1,000 hp liquid-cooled aircraft engine. Skeptics don't believe any company is capable of completing this task. However, time will prove them wrong. |
1931
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The U.S. Navy signs a contract with Allison to design and develop a fully reversible diesel engine in the 650 hp class to power its zeppelins. After several years, the engines Allison designed pass preliminary installation and flight tests. They were literally being prepared for shipment to the Navy when the U.S. Navy zeppelin Macon breaks up, due to structural airframe failures, and crashes off the California coast. Shortly thereafter, the Navy abandons lighter-than-air operations. However, Allison's diesel work is not to be lost. General Motors, which had not yet ventured into diesel engines, picks up where Allison engineers left off. The company incorporates many of the engineers' design ideas into other GM products. |
1937
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Allison's V1710 12-cylinder liquid-cooled aircraft engine passes its 150-hour acceptance trails, making it the first 1,000 hp American engine to accomplish this task. The Allison V1710 goes on to power many of the U.S. Army Air Corps' most famous fighters, including the North American P-51 Mustang, the Lockheed P-38 Lighting, the Curtis P-40 Warhawk (utilized by Chennault's Flying Tigers), the Bell P-39 Aircobra, and a host of others. |
1939
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Building engines and service parts is only a portion of the job. The complex products shipped from Allison plants also have to be properly operated, serviced and maintained. Training pilots, engineers, mechanics and other support personnel require Allison to develop Customer Support channels for both military and commercial operators. |
1941
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War breaks out in Europe. Allison's V1710's, V3420's and their variants' are called upon to support the U.S. Army Air Corp and the nation's allied air forces. |
1946
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Allison begins production of a marine gear reduction system for Detroit Diesel and enters the commercial transmission field. The first fully-automatic transmissions for off-highway operations also are introduced; they support road reconstruction, bridge building and other activities related to the Marshal Plan and rebuilding of Japan. |
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In mid-1940, Allison's reputation for leading transportation technology continues with the design, development and manufacture of the company's first generation military tank transmission, the CD-850. It is incorporated into the famous M46 Patton battle tank and other military tracked vehicles. |
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1946 also is the year in which the Allison Division is split into two separate operations under the direction of general manager Ed Newill. One section of the company would devote its efforts toward aircraft operations and the other transmissions. This division in responsibilities would be a turning point for what is now known as Allison Transmission. |
1947
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First Allison "V" (angle drive) transmission is shipped to GM truck and Coach Division. GM buses equipped with Allison transmissions have transported millions of passengers throughout North America for over 30 years. GM New Look Buses continue to operate with the "V" transmission in parts of North America through the late 1980's. The last "V" transmission is built in 1976. |
1949
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The first rail transmission is produced and installed in a Budd Rail Car. Budd Rail Cars are designed to move large numbers of commuters via existing railroad lines and subway infrastructure. Cities such as New York, Chicago and Boston utilize the bright aluminum Budd Rail Cars in their subway systems throughout the latter half of the 20th century. |
1953
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Allison applies its transmission expertise to the application of front-end loaders and forklift trucks at the request of Clark Equipment Corporation. |
1956
|
Allison introduces new on-highway automatic transmission, employing a four-element torque converter, six forward speeds and one reverse. GM, Ford and Dodge commercial trucks offer vehicles with the Allison transmission. |
1960
|
Progress in the development and manufacture of fully automatic transmissions for commercial and military vehicles continues at Allison. Larger off-highway trucks (40 tons to 65 tons) require the ongoing upgrade of existing transmissions. These new heavy trucks would play a major role in mining, infrastructure expansion and urban development. Other Allison transmissions, such as the CT-3340™, CLBT-4460™ and the HT-70™, provide the heavy hauling transportation industry the methods by which consumers goods are transported worldwide. |
1965
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Allison Transmission continues to expand its market share in the U.S. military. Not only does it power more "tracked and wheeled" vehicles than any other company, it also begins to expand its presence among Allied forces. Allison receives a $44 million U.S./Federal Republic of Germany Main Battle Tank Program Award during this timeframe. |
1970
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Merger with Detroit Diesel Engine forms the Detroit Diesel Allison Division, with headquarters in Detroit. The AT 540™ is Allison's first automatic transmission developed specifically for vehicles in the weight class immediately above the size range of passenger cars. Based on the design of the AT Transmission, a heavier MT (medium truck) transmission also is introduced. These two transmissions will go on to power thousands of passenger cars and trucks throughout North America. |
1973
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A turning point with the U.S. military occurs when the fully automatic transmission is accepted as the standard power train for all trucks by the U.S. Army. |
1974
|
Construction is started on Allison Plant 12, making it the largest single facility expansion by Allison in Indianapolis since World War II. |
1975
|
The "V" 730™, the first new transit coach transmission since 1950, is introduced. Hundreds of thousands of these transmissions eventually power city buses throughout North America. |
1980
|
The first X1100 production unit (for the M1A1 Abrams tank) is delivered to the U.S. Army. By 1987, more than 5,000 of these units will be manufactured. The four-speed X1100 transmission allows the 65-ton Abrams tank to accelerate from zero to 20 miles per hour in seven seconds--a feat that had never been accomplished by a vehicle in this weight class. |
1982
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A first of its kind, the HT 747™ transmission is designed and built for articulated city buses. |
1983
|
GM separates Allison Gas Turbine (AGT) from Detroit Diesel Allison. AGT goes on to become a stand-alone company that is later acquired by Rolls-Royce Plc. The CLT9880™ transmission is introduced. These units are destined for the People's Republic of China to be used in the production of oil and natural gas. |
1984
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WABCO Construction and Mining Equipment purchases 126 DP-8962™ transmissions for use in coal hauling vehicles destined for Turkey. |
1987
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Robert M. Clark Jr. held the position, Indianapolis Operations and General Manager, for the Detroit Diesel Allison Division (DDA) from 1980 to 1983. In 1987, General Motors decided Allison would return to full divisional status and the organization was separated from DDA. Roger B. Smith, GM board chairman, mandated that Allison Transmission Division's new general manager would have both transmission experience and previously severed as a General Motors general manager. Robert M. Clark Jr. not only met this important criteria but he had established an outstanding record of leadership during his first tour at Allison. Mr. Clark accepted the position of general manager, Allison Transmission Division, in December 1987. |
1988
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The AT 542™ transmissions are released for Class A motor homes. Variations of this transmission power the vast majority of Class A motor homes in North America. |
1991
|
After its phased-in introduction in 1991, the World Transmission™ (WT) offers a highly competitive product line not only for Allison's established markets in the United States, but also in Europe, the Asia Pacific Rim and Latin America. It is announced that the WT will be manufactured in Indianapolis. |
1993
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An Allison AT 545 transmission is installed in the world's first fuel cell powered city bus. |
1994
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John Smith is named Allison Transmission General Manager in 1994 following Bob Clark's retirement. Mr. Smith was instrumental in developing new business strategies for each of the company's major market segments; these new business strategies benefited Allison for years to come. Allison's entire manufacturing philosophy was also revamped under his leadership which resulted in manufacturing overhead cost reductions, quality improvements and increased product assembly efficiencies. During this time, Allison also embarked on what was to become the forerunner for the GM Allison hybrid bus/truck program. A scaled-down version of the EP40/50 transmission was incorporated in Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC products. |
1997
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Daniel M. Hancock is named President, Allison Transmission, following John Smith's promotion to General Motors Vice President, Cadillac Motor Car Division. Mr. Hancock's first experience with Allison was in 1983 where he served as Detroit Diesel Allison, Chief Engineer. Following that assignment, he would hold numerous chief engineering positions with Chevrolet, Pontiac and GM of Canada prior to becoming director, Transmission Engineering, GM Powertrain. |
2000
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Lawrence E. Dewey is named President, Allison Transmission Division replacing Daniel M. Hancock who became Chief Executive Officer, Fiat-GM Powertrain. Mr. Dewey while at Allison Transmission worked in a variety of roles prior to becoming the division's president. He held positions in Operations as Area Manager for fabrication and heat treat, Parts marketing Manager, Manager of Aftermarket Products, Marketing Manager, and Central Region (U.S.) Sales Manager. In May 1994, he was named Managing Director of Allison Transmission Europe, B.V., based in The Netherlands, where he was responsible for Marketing, Sales, Service, and Product Distribution of on- and off-highway commercial products in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He was named worldwide Director for Marketing, Sales and Service in April, 1997. |
2003
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Allison Transmission is converged with the GM Powertrain Division. GM Powertrain designs, engineers and manufactures engines, transmissions, castings and components for GM vehicles and other automotive, marine and industrial OEMs. Also in 2003, the first EP 40™/EP 50™ commercial hybrid bus power trains are produced. |
2007
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The Carlyle Group and Onex Corporation acquire Allison Transmission from GM for $5.6 billion. Lawrence E. Dewey is named Chairman and CEO. Allison Transmission produces it 5,000,000th commercial transmission. |
2009
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Allison receives a $62.8 Department of Energy (DOE) Cost Sharing Grant to produce commercial truck hybrid drive trains. Initial production of the H3000 ™ is scheduled to begin in 2013. |
2010
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Allison Transmission Chennai India manufacturing plant and regional sales offices open for business. Within in short period of time the Allison Chennai Customization and Distribution Center opens for business. Also in 2010, Allison produces its 1 millionth 1000™ /2000™ Series fully automatic transmission at Plant 4, Indianapolis. |
2011
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Allison Transmission files S-1 Registration Form with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; the process for an Initial Public Offering begins. During his visit to Allison Transmission's Indianapolis' operations, U.S. President Barack Obama recognizes the company as a leader in hybrid technology. The President went on to say, "What you're doing here [Allison employees] is really important. Today there are more than 3,800 buses using Allison hybrid technology all over the world, buses that have already saved an estimated 15 million gallons of fuel. And pretty soon you'll be expanding this technology to trucks as well." In March 2011, Allison Transmission, Inc. files an S-1 Registration Form with the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) to begin the process for an initial public offering. |
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Also in 2011, Allison Transmission opens its Hungary manufacturing facility in Szentgotthard. The Hungary facility produces 3000™, 4000™ and Torqmatic™ Series™ fully automatic transmissions for the company's European and emerging market customers. |
