There’ve been a lot of critics of dual clutch transmission systems. Purists prefer the mechanical feel of a manual transmission, but you can’t deny that dual clutch transmission systems have come a long way from the prehistoric automatic transmission system. And now, it’s being incorporated in Mercedes-Benz trucks, ushering in a new era of fuel efficiency and emissions control.

First of all, it eliminates the problematic torque converter that is present in an automatic transmission systems. Secondly, in fully-automatic mode, shifting times are effectively cut down to inhuman figures. No professional racing driver would ever outshift a dual clutch transmission system in terms of shift times. And third is the benefit of being able to shift ‘manually’, albeit not having a clutch pedal to work with.

It was Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler AG actually that first introduced a dual clutch system in the Fuso. Now, Mercedes-Benz truck clients can expect greater comfort for their drivers, as well as improved driving stability with power flowing non-stop to the drive wheels.

Mercedes-Benz calls their dual clutch system the Duonic transmission (M038S6). It boasts of six forward gears plus one in reverse. The system uses oil-bathed double clutches to improve smoothness and durability. Apart from the standard Parking gear mode, the Duonic system features a Creep function—a gear mode that facilitates slow parking maneuvers to aid safety for both the driver, the vehicle and pedestrians.