I read with interest the article about auot gearboxes in 44 tonne trucks. But, as is pointed out, these are, in fact, perhaps, better described as 'automated manual boxes'. They are not, I read, true auto boxes with torque converters. That being said, it is clear from the comment, that they are felt to have many advantages over the multi geared manual boxes that many a truck driver will have experienced over the years. Here's a thought! What about a true 'any-ratio' auto gearbox for a truck! I understand that Torotrak plc, a uk company based in Lancashire, have developed a gearbox termed an IVT (infinately variable transmission). My understanding is that fixed ratio auto boxes with torque converters would perhaps not have the fuel efficiency that truck operators might demand, so auto-manuals are what's made. My understanding is that the Torotrak IVT is designed (without a torque converter) to be able to handle almost any level of torgue and automatically choses the best ratio from an almost infinate range of ratios. A vehicle cruising on a slight downward slope will cause the gearbox, through sensing the low torque requiement, to increase the ratio substantially, and so increase fuel efficiency. A video on the Torotrak website shows and American 5L Ford 4x4 cruising at somewhere near 80mph (I think) at not much over 1,000 rpm engine speed! Also, no changing between fixed ratios means that no steps are experienced so a smoother ride is available. Seems a possible future technology for most automotive vehicles, including large trucks.