The Freightliner Division at DaimlerChrysler South Africa has introduced a new product for transmissions called SmartShift. The new SmartShift system provides a convenient driver interface for the new automated mechanical transmissions available in the market.
''SmartShift is the latest development in transmission technology,'' said Johan Cloete, Divisional Manager for Freightliner. ''Freightliner and its parent company, DaimlerChrysler AG, have, for some time, been leaders in providing shift-by-wire systems to worldwide markets. This latest advance provides a safer, more convenient driver interface that can be interfaced to transmissions such as the Eaton AutoShift. Shift-by-wire transmissions work by electronically manipulating the engine speed and torque for the driver and moving the clutches in the transmission with actuators so that a float-shift is completed without the need to use the clutch. The clutch is used only for starting and stopping.''
SmartShift is mounted to the steering column, which Freightliner believes is a better solution than consoles which are mounted between the seats or to the seats. With its location, SmartShift frees up additional space for easier access to living areas, while creating less work for the driver and, most importantly, provides a safer shifting procedure. Its development came as a result of considerable customer input suggesting that technology should replace the shift lever and locate it to a more convenient and safer location.

A small display provides information on the gear engaged and the gears available under the current driving conditions. On trucks with a Driver Message Centre, the separate display can be eliminated.
The display panel indicates to the driver whether a clutchless upshift or downshift is permissible based on the current gear, road speed and throttle position. The panel will display either an up or down arrow or both to indicate to the driver what options are permissible. The arrows indicate in which direction a driver may shift.
To drive a truck, the driver lets up on the clutch pedal as usual to start the vehicle. When it is time to shift, the driver pulls the lever toward the steering wheel. The electronics and actuators then smoothly complete a float shift with no need for the driver to manipulate the throttle or the clutch. Down shifts when coming to a stop or an exit ramp on the highway are just as simple. The driver slows down, probably by putting his foot on the brake pedal. Without moving his foot, he pushes the column lever away from the steering wheel. Again, the electronics and actuators complete a smooth downshift with no further movement of the feet. The driver can safely keep his foot on the brake pedal, his hands on the wheel and his eyes on the road. When the vehicle slows down sufficiently, the driver depresses the clutch pedal and brings the truck to a complete stop. The transmission automatically remembers the last starting gear used.