Sita Sud recently integrated six Isuzu Novociti Life minibuses with Allison transmissions into its fleet, destined for the Amalfi-Ravello-Scala route. The adoption of these new vehicles has improved operational efficiency, reduced maintenance costs and increased comfort for both drivers and passengers. This purchase reflects Sita Sud's commitment to providing a more reliable service while facing the challenges of a complex area like the Amalfi Coast.

Turin, March 2025 – Sita Sud S.r.l., a company responsible for passenger transport by road in the regions of Campania, Puglia and Basilicata in Italy, has recently enhanced its fleet with six new Isuzu Novociti Life minibuses, equipped with Allison fully automatic transmissions. These vehicles have been introduced on the Amalfi-Ravello-Scala line, one of the most demanding and high-traffic routes on the Amalfi Coast, to meet the growing needs for efficiency and comfort in public transport service.

The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Italy’s most visited tourist destinations, with narrow and winding roads that challenge the vehicles operating there. Sita Sud chose the Isuzu Novociti Life minibuses, 7.8 meters long and capable of carrying up to 40 passengers, to best tackle the geographical challenges and ensure impeccable service for the numerous tourists and residents using this line.

Advanced Technology for Optimal Performance and Cost Efficiency

The new Isuzu Novociti Life buses are equipped with a Euro 6 Step E diesel engine paired with the Allison T3270 with a retarder ® and Extra Fuel Economy (xFE) automatic transmission, which continuously transmits engine power to the wheels, allowing the minibuses to operate optimally, achieving higher average speeds and shorter travel times to meet scheduled times.

Thanks to the Allison automatic transmission, the Novociti Life easily handles the coastal routes, eliminating the need for manual gear shifting and ensuring smooth manoeuvrability around the tight curves of the area. Additionally, the integrated hydraulic retarder offers greater efficiency during braking and deceleration phases. The retarder significantly reduces wear and tear of the service breaks.

With Allison’s fully hydraulic torque converter and planetary gear technology a clutch is not required resulting in less downtime than manual or automated manual transmissions (AMTs) as clutch repairs are common. The simplified maintenance of the Allison transmissions includes an oil and filter monitoring system, which has allowed Sita Sud to reduce downtime and improve fleet management, thereby increasing vehicle availability and reducing maintenance costs.

Operational Benefits for Public Transport Companies

Matteo De Martino, Technical Area Manager at Sita Sud, highlights the numerous advantages of the new vehicles: "The Novociti Life impressed us with their ability to adapt to the complex terrain of the Coast, with a design and manoeuvrability that allow us to offer a faster and safer service. Furthermore, the Allison automatic transmissions make driving more intuitive and less stressful, enabling drivers to focus on the heavy traffic in the area."

The Allison Automatic has also received positive feedback from drivers like one on the Amalfi-Ravello-Scala line states: "Between manual and automatic shifting, Allison is definitely more comfortable. We can keep both hands free for manoeuvers, which is crucial for the routes we take daily. Additionally, the retarder helps us use the pedal brake less and ensures smoother and more comfortable driving for passengers. I’ve had a great experience with it."

Increased Efficiency and Optimized Fuel Consumption Thanks to Allison

Simone Pace, Sales Manager for Italy at Allison Transmission, emphasizes how automatic transmissions are revolutionizing the public transport sector: "Allison transmissions provide continuous power transmission, eliminating the typical jolts of gear changes and optimizing fuel consumption. This way, public transport companies can offer a more comfortable service while reducing operational and maintenance costs and improving overall efficiency."

Manuel Spina, Sales Manager at Officine Mirandola, official Isuzu dealer for Italy, adds: "We have already supplied several models with Allison transmissions, such as the Novociti Life, Citibus and Grand Toro. These automatic solutions allow vehicles to operate at lower engine speeds, reducing fuel consumption and improving driving smoothness, ensuring higher customer satisfaction."

Innovation and Comfort for the Future of Public Transport

With the introduction of the new Isuzu Novociti Life minibuses with fully automatic Allison transmissions, Sita Sud reaffirms its commitment to providing efficient, reliable and comfortable public transport services, suitable for a beautiful but challenging area like the Amalfi Coast. The adopted solutions enhance operational performance and fleet management, laying the foundation for a more competitive and future-oriented public transport service.