LOUISVILLE, Ky. The repositioning of the Detroit Diesel brand from your fathers engine company to the integrated powertrain supplier of your kid and known simply as "Detroit," was largely completed last month with the introduction of the Detroit transmission.

Detroit now lays claim to being the only OEM that can offer a "complete powertrain package," which includes Detroit axles, heavy-duty engines and a transmission.

The integrated powertrain is a key strategic element of Daimler Trucks North America, which owns Detroit Diesel, and is aimed at having uniform production standards and processes worldwide, resulting in efficient, high quality and low-cost-of-ownership products.

The 12-speed, direct- or over-drive automated Detroit transmission combines a traditional clutch-actuated manual gearbox with high-speed, computer-controlled shift and clutch actuators, which automatically select the right shift pattern for fuel economy and engine power.

"Automated transmissions represent the next generation of technology that will increase efficiency and enhance performance," said Martin Daum, CEO of Daimler Trucks North America.

Initially, the Detroit transmission will be paired next year with the Detroit DD15 engine in Freightliner Cascadia over-the-road trucks.

Daimler/Detroits announcement gave no indication whether a Detroit transmission might eventually find its way into the powertrains of over-the-road buses.

The Detroit transmission is based on Mercedes-Benz technology that has been tested and used in select European markets since 2005.

Early this year, Daimler introduced Detroit axles, a line of on-highway axles.

In late March, it was announced that the Detroit Diesel Genuine Parts brand is being renamed simply Detroit Genuine Parts. Additionally, the former Detroit Diesel reliabilt brand is being folded into the Detroit Genuine Parts brand.

Other over-the-road vehicle OEMs also are integrating their drivetrains. One with connections to the motorcoach industry that has integrated is Volvo, which offers proprietary engines and transmissions in North America and Europe.