Abstract: A method for assisting starting of a motor vehicle by application of engine torque on starting the vehicle. In the method parameters for detection of the starting of the motor vehicle are recorded. A set point for engine management is calculated from a parameter for the driver's command. A torque for assisting the start is determined from the engine management set point. The torque assistance is used on starting the vehicle from zero speed to a non-zero speed and the set point for the engine management is calculated as a function of different values for the moment of inertia of the engine. The change from one first value to a second value is carried out on there being a given difference between the engine management value and the measured value.

Abstract: A retarding system for a work machine having a power source, a transmission, and a manually operated braking mechanism is disclosed. The retarding system has an engine retarder associated with the power source and a controller in communication with the transmission, the manually operated braking mechanism, and the engine retarder. The controller is configured to determine a deceleration rate of the work machine and compare the deceleration rate of the work machine to a predetermined threshold rate. The controller is also configured to determined if the manually operated braking mechanism is active and to cause the transmission to downshift if the deceleration rate is less than the predetermined threshold rate and the manually operated braking mechanism is determined to be active. The controller is further configured to prevent the transmission from downshifting if the deceleration rate is less than the predetermined threshold rate and the manually operated braking mechanism is determined to be inactive.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shift control for vehicular transmission. A transmission may shift gears at designated transmission shift points. When the slope of the road grade encountered by a vehicle changes, the transmission shift points may be altered to provide better vehicle performance. According to one embodiment, road slope may be calculated based upon vehicle acceleration and acceleration caused by pedal depression. In such an embodiment, brake indication may be calculated from the same road slope calculation without the use of a brake signal switch. If brake application is indicated by the road slope calculation, transmission shifting may be adjusted to prevent poor vehicle performance.

Abstract: A method for controlling an idle stop mode in a hybrid electric vehicle is disclosed. The method for controlling the idle stop mode includes: performing an engine RPM lift-up control to raise an engine RPM if a deceleration is less than a medium deceleration when a speed of a hybrid electric vehicle reaches an idle stop mode entering speed such that as the engine RPM is raised, a gear changing oil pressure is increased, so that a continuously variable transmission (CVT) gear ratio according to a deceleration reaches a target minimum gear ratio; and as the CVT gear ratio reaches the target minimum gear ratio, entering an idle stop mode even when a deceleration is less than a medium deceleration while a transmission control unit (TCU) does not perform a control operation for preventing an idle stop mode from being entered.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control device of a vehicle performs a gear change operation based on a deceleration of the vehicle. The automatic transmission control device detects the deceleration of the vehicle and an engine rotational speed. The device also stores a peak value of the engine rotation speed during a period in which a vehicle travels with one predetermined gear step, and includes a relationship map showing the relationship between the deceleration and a shift-down rotational speed. The device performs an automatic shift-down when the engine rotational speed is lowered from the peak value by a predetermined rotational speed which is obtained from the map based on the deceleration.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic transmission including a gear-type transmission mechanism connected to an output shaft of a motive power source, the gear-type transmission including plural frictional engagement elements. The control apparatus senses a power-on downshift in which the frictional engagement elements are engaged during a downshift in a driving state of the motive power source, controls the motive power source so that in the power-on downshift an output of the motive power source is reduced, counts a time during which an input rotational speed of the transmission mechanism approximates an after-shift synchronous rotational speed, and controls the motive power source so that, if the time exceeds a predetermined time while the output of the motive power source is reduced, recovery from the reduction of the output of the motive power source is attained.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control system includes a shift map that includes predetermined ranges of vehicle speeds at which vehicle engine speeds require gear shifts for the automatic transmission based on requests for torque. The predetermined ranges include upper bounds that correspond to gear upshifts and lower bounds that correspond to gear down shifts. A shift map control module varies at least one of the predetermined ranges of vehicle speeds based on at least one vehicle condition that affects movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A shifting point display for indicating shift advice is provided in a motor vehicle having a manual transmission and a control unit for the continuous determination of a current operating point of the motor vehicle. At least one characteristic upshift indication curve or a characteristic downshift indication curve is stored in an electronic memory. An upshift indication or a downshift indication is displayed when the characteristic upshift indication curve or the characteristic downshift indication curve is reached by the current operating point and a currently differently engaged gear.

Abstract: A straddle type vehicle with a control unit that improves riding comfort and controls the speed change of a continuously variable transmission electronically. Engine output is controlled by an accelerator operating part. The control unit shifts to a kick down mode where a speed change ratio is shifted to be lower than in a normal mode according to operation of a kick down switch separate from the accelerator operating part. A kick down release command is issued according to a state of the vehicle, and kick down mode is released and returned to normal mode.

Abstract: A controller selects a shift map for deriving the shift timing of an automatic transmission according to output signals from a front seat seating sensor, a pillion seating sensor and a carrier loading sensor. The controller switches the shift map of a standard type to an output-emphasizing type shift map when the seating of the rider is sensed and at least one of the seating of the passenger and the loading on the carrier is sensed. The controller judges the seating of the rider or the loading of the cargo when a load equal to or exceeding a predetermined value is continuously applied to each load sensor for predetermined time or longer. Load sensors that can measure weight are used and a shift map may be also selected based upon a total value of loaded weight.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal system includes a vehicle speed sensor outputting a vehicle speed signal, an accelerator pedal, and a switch that generates a signal corresponding to at least one predetermined speed and a selected mode. An engine management system receives the signals from the vehicle speed sensor and the switch. A pedal control unit receives the vehicle speed signal and the switch signal, and outputs a control signal if a vehicle speed exceeds the predetermined speed. A reaction device is physically attached to the accelerator pedal and electrically connected to the pedal control unit. The reaction device applies force to the accelerator pedal based on the control signal.

Abstract: A method for shifting a transmission from a current gear to a target gear following release of an accelerator pedal, the transmission having first and second clutches for alternately connecting and disconnecting a power source and first and second input shafts, respectively, first couplers for alternately connecting and disconnecting a transmission output and a first set of gears driveably connected to the first clutch, and second couplers for alternately connecting and disconnecting the output and a second set of gears driveably connected to the second clutch.

Abstract: An automatic transmission shift control apparatus includes a shift point learning-correcting unit and a high acceleration time upshifting unit. The shift point learning-correcting unit executes learning-correction of a shift point during an upshift such that an input rotational speed of the automatic transmission reaches a predetermined target maximum rotational speed. The high acceleration time upshifting unit executes, when predetermined high acceleration is requested, an upshift control based on the shift point in which a learning value of the shift point learning-correcting unit is reflected. When the high acceleration is not requested, the upshift control is performed based on a reference value of the shift point in which the learning value of the shift point learning-correcting unit is not reflected. The shift point learning-correcting unit executes the learning-correction of the shift point when the learning value is reflected in the upshift control.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control apparatus is provided with a control scheme that focuses on the rotational speed differences of the frictional engaging elements and the distribution of torque transferred by the frictional engaging elements. When the automatic transmission is upshifted while in a power-off state, the individual torque capacity of a frictional engaging element being released and the individual torque capacity of a frictional engaging element being connected are corrected by adding a prescribed torque capacity amount to each of the individual torque capacities during an inertia phase of the shift control in which a compensation is executed for inertia related to changing the gear ratio. In this way, frictional losses are induced in the frictional engaging elements so as to absorb the inertia torque and lower the input rotational speed more quickly.

Abstract: A speed change control device carries out speed change control of a stepless speed change mechanism in accordance with the vehicle speed. The speed change control device includes: first vehicle speed selection means for comparing a first vehicle speed obtained from the rotation speed of an output member 26 of the stepless speed change mechanism and a second vehicle speed obtained from the rotation speed of the wheels and for selecting the lower of the first and second vehicle speeds as the substitute vehicle speed; and second vehicle speed selection means for comparing the third vehicle speed obtained from the output side rotation speed of a clutch mechanism and the substitute vehicle speed, and for selecting the higher of the third vehicle speed and the substitute vehicle speed as the control vehicle speed. The control vehicle speed is used as the vehicle speed V for carrying out speed change control.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system, including uphill-drive-force control means and constructed to reduce a degree of uneasiness to be given to the vehicle operator during an uphill-road running of a vehicle. The uphill-drive-force control means is arranged to increase a vehicle drive force during the uphill-road running of the vehicle at a given required vehicle output as compared with a vehicle drive force during a level-road running of the vehicle at substantially the same required vehicle output, for obtaining substantially the same value of acceleration of the vehicle during the uphill-road running as that during the level-road running.

Abstract: A method for controlling and regulating a transmission brake of an automatic transmission designed as a gear reduction unit in which the rotation speed of a countershaft of the gearbox can be decelerated in an upshift such that it corresponds to the synchronized rotation speed or comes close to it up to a predetermined distance during an upshift operation. The brake gradient of the countershaft rotation speed or the gear input rotation speed as well as the gear output shaft rotation speed is taken into consideration for the control and regulation of the gearbox brake. The gradient of the gear output shaft rotation speed is analyzed to control and regulate operation of the bearbox brake to improve the upshift, operations.

Abstract: A transmission control system for regulating operation of an automatic transmission of a vehicle includes a first module that provides a predetermined shift schedule including upshift and downshift lines and a second module that offsets each of the upshift and downshift lines by an offset amount to provide modified upshift and downshift lines when a deceleration of the vehicle exceeds a threshold deceleration. A third module regulates operation of the automatic transmission based on the modified upshift and downshift lines.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control apparatus is provided with a shift control section, a first rotary-speed detecting section, a second rotary-speed detecting section and an input shaft speed calculation section. The shift control section issues instructions to selectively engage and disengage a combination of a plurality of frictionally engaging elements of a planetary gear mechanism to establish a corresponding one of a plurality of gear ratios. The first rotary-speed detecting section detects a rotational speed of a first rotary member which rotates at a different speed from an input shaft of the planetary gear mechanism. The second rotary-speed detecting section detects a rotational speed of a second rotary member which rotates at a different speed from the input shaft of the planetary gear mechanism. The input shaft speed calculation section calculates a rotational speed of the input shaft using values detected by the first and second rotary-speed detecting sections.

Abstract: A work vehicle, in accordance with the present invention, having a speed change arrangement comprising: front wheels and rear wheels; an engine supported by the front wheels and rear wheels; power train extending between the engine and at least the rear wheels, the power train transmitting power at least to the rear wheels; a speed change device provided to the power train; an accelerator operating member for controlling the accelerator for the engine; rotational speed sensor that detects an actual rotational speed of the engine; a controller signally connected to the rotational speed sensor, the controller shifting the speed change device to a higher speed position if a difference between a set rotational speed of the engine set by the accelerator operating member and the actual engine rotational speed is less than a first set value, and the controller shifting the speed change device to a lower speed position if the difference between the set rotational speed of the engine set by the accelerator operating m

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for an automatic transmission provided with a friction engaging element that operates using hydraulic pressure includes a range pressure oil passage which is connected to the friction engaging element; a manual valve which is connected to the range pressure oil passage; a drain port which is formed in the manual valve and which drains hydraulic pressure of the range pressure oil passage; a drain oil passage which is connected to the drain port; and a drain pressure controller which is connected to the drain oil passage and which performs control so as to change a decreasing rate of drain pressure of the drain oil passage.

Abstract: An automatic shift control is executed in an automatic transmission with 5 shift speeds of range hold type in the highest gear stage of a shift range at the manual shift mode. Upon selection of a shift mode from the automatic shift mode to the manual shift mode, the shift range at the manual shift mode is selected in accordance with the vehicle speed detected at the automatic shift mode. If the vehicle speed is in the low-speed range, the shift range 3 is selected. If the vehicle speed is in the medium-speed range, the shift range 4 is selected. If the vehicle speed is in the high-speed range, the shift range 5 is selected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control acceleration of a vehicle equipped with an electrically variable transmission and including a regenerative braking system, each are operably connected to a vehicle driveline. The method and apparatus include determining which one of a preselected shift selector position for the transmission is commanded, and determining operator demand for acceleration, using inputs from throttle pedal and brake pedal. Vehicle acceleration is measured, and magnitude of commanded torque transferred from the electrically variable transmission and the regenerative braking system to the vehicle driveline is controlled based upon the commanded preselected shift selector position, the operator demand for acceleration, and the measured vehicle acceleration.

Abstract: In a vehicle driving force control apparatus for controlling a driving force of the vehicle to achieve a target acceleration or a target vehicle speed, a running resistance estimating section calculates an estimated running resistance. A target acceleration modifying section modifies the target acceleration with the estimated running resistance and thereby decreases the target acceleration with increase in the estimated running resistance.

Abstract: A method is described for operating an automatic transmission in which a command for changing a current ratio of the automatic transmission is generated when achieving preset operating states of the vehicle automatically or by manual input in a manual shifting mode, the activated manual shifting mode being preferred to an automatic shifting mode. The manual shifting mode is quit when a current vehicle speed is less than a threshold value, or when a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle is within a defined range, a lateral acceleration is less than a threshold value and a driver type evaluation counter is less than a limiting value.

Abstract: A method to automatically identify the inertia of an actuator (and the like) and load for tuning an observer-based controller is presented. The tuning is a one-time process that is initiated by a user when the actuator is installed. The control includes a model of the actuator with state feedback to set the desired dynamics.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal device includes a pedal reaction force providing device for providing a reaction force to an accelerator pedal according to an amount of depression of the accelerator pedal operated by a driver. The reaction force to be provided from the pedal reaction force providing device to the pedal is controlled based on the depression amount of the accelerator pedal. This reaction force control allows precise agreement between throttle opening timing and pedal reaction force timing to produce a predetermined pedal reaction force at a desired degree of throttle opening.

Abstract: A method for controlling an automatic transmission in a vehicle is provided. The method selectively provides automatic engine braking for the vehicle. When it is determined that automatic engine braking is desired, the upshift schedule is increased, such that a higher vehicle speed is required to upshift for any given accelerator pedal position. The transmission is automatically downshifted to a lower gear to provide engine braking for the vehicle, when a vehicle acceleration threshold is exceeded. The automatic downshifting of the transmission can occur when the brake pedal is engaged, and when the brake pedal is disengaged.

Abstract: A shift control apparatus for a continuously-variable transmission includes a controller for controlling a transmission ratio in a normal mode in accordance with a sensed vehicle speed and a sensed accelerator operation condition. The controller determines a second-mode downshift characteristic and a second-mode upshift characteristic in accordance with a driver's acceleration demand; and controls the transmission ratio in a kickdown shift control mode in response to a driver's acceleration request by performing a downshift operation to a target downshift transmission ratio determined according to the second-mode downshift characteristic and an upshift operation according to the second mode upshift characteristic.

Abstract: A method for controlling the gear release in an automated multi-speed drive in a vehicle drive with a drive motor and a separating clutch positioned between the drive motor and the multi-speed drive that the events “application of a shifting power” and “opening of the separating clutch” are determined dependent on reaching certain vehicle accelerations (agear—release, aclutch—engage). The vehicle acceleration (aveh) decreases at the beginning of the shifting process due to the reduction of the fuel injection quantity (EM) supplied to the drive motor.

Abstract: A method of controlling the timing of the shift events of a dual clutch transmission that includes the steps of sensing the current output speed of the transmission, determining the time required to complete each possible shift event within the transmission, and determining an output speed modification value for each possible shift event. The method also includes the steps of determining a modified shift point output speed for each possible shift event by summing the determined output speed modification value with a predetermined shift pattern output speed, and commanding the shift when the current output speed reaches the determined modified shift point output speed.

Abstract: When an operator takes his foot from an accelerator pedal, a returning speed of the accelerator pedal is calculated from a signal of an accelerator sensor. In case where the returning speed is larger than a reference value, it is judged that the operator intends to decelerate a vehicle with an engine brake applied and the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission is fixed to a value at the moment when the operator releases the accelerator pedal. As a result, the vehicle decelerates while the engine brake is exerted. In case where the returning speed is smaller than the reference value, it is judged that the operator intends to run the vehicle by inertia and the speed ratio of the transmission is changed to a speed ratio on an overdrive side so as to allow a coasting operation.

Abstract: A change-speed control system is provided for a utility vehicle having a stepless change-speed apparatus for speed-changing an engine output and transmitting the speed-changed output to a traveling unit. The system includes an engine speed governor for adjusting speed of the engine, an accelerator controller and a change-speed control linkage device for providing operative displacements in the stepless change-speed apparatus and the engine speed governor in association with an operation of the accelerator controller. The change-speed control linkage device sets an operation amount for the stepless change-speed apparatus and an operation amount for the engine speed governor in correlation with the operation amount of the accelerator controller, such that an acceleration ratio for the engine speed is greater than an acceleration ratio for the stepless change-speed apparatus until the engine reaches a predetermined speed and also the stepless change-speed apparatus reaches a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A gear stage detection device according to the present invention comprises output shaft side pulse generating mechanism (21) for generating a pulse in a number which corresponds to a rotary phase of an output shaft (9) of a transmission (T/M), input shaft side pulse generating mechanism (20) for generating a pulse in a number which corresponds to a rotary phase of an input shaft (8) of the transmission (T/M), and gear stage determining mechanism (16) for determining the current gear stage by inputting the output shaft side pulse and input shaft side pulse generated respectively by the pulse generating mechanism, counting the number of input shaft side pulses generated when a unitary number (25 pls) of output shaft side pulses has been reached, and comparing the counted input shaft side pulse number with the unitary number of input shaft side pulses which is predetermined for each gear stage of the transmission.

Abstract: A method for controlling an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle in the event of a spontaneous gas/pedal release (FastOff). The automatic transmission is driven by an internal combustion engine which can be influenced by an accelerator pedal and a signal proportional to a pedal position is fed to an electronic transmission control in which shifting characteristic field is stored and the spontaneous gas/pedal release (FastOff) is detected and an upshift block (FFO=1) is activated when a pedal position gradient (PSTG) falls below a pedal gradient threshold (KF_PSTG). The mode of the upshift block (FFO=1) is removed when a traction operation is detected when an actual engine torque (MMM) exceeds a push-pull line (KL_ZS) stored as a function of a value equivalent to an engine rotational speed (NMO) in dependence on a vehicle acceleration/deceleration (AIST) dependent on an overall tractional resistance (GFW) and pedal gradient thresholds (KW_PSTGPOS, KW_PSTGNEG).

Abstract: A method of controlling an automated transmission of a motor vehicle, wherein the degree of accelerator-pedal depression is expressed as a pedal-depression value and a gear-shifting strategy is determined based on one or more shift characteristics, includes the steps of: determining the pedal-depression value and/or the amount of torque demanded by the driver, evaluating the shift characteristics by taking the pedal-depression value and/or driver-demanded torque into account as input quantities for the evaluation, and determining the gear-shifting strategy based on the evaluation.

Abstract: The inventive transmission has at least two different shift modes for shifting between the same two gear ratios. A control unit electronically senses various vehicle conditions and based on this information selects the appropriate shift mode suited for the particular driving situation. The transmission then shifts from one gear ratio to another based on this selection.

Abstract: An automatic transmission achieves a desired shift through an initial stage shift in which a first engagement element is released and a third engagement element is engaged, and a final stage shift in which a second engagement element is released and a fourth engagement element is engaged. A control apparatus sets an estimated rotation acceleration for a transmission input shaft in accordance with an input torque and an input torque rotation acceleration speed, and controls the release of the second engagement element for moving to the final stage shift according to the estimated rotation acceleration. As a result, it is possible to prevent a shifting delay and/or degradation that occurs between the initial stage and the latter stage by continuous transmission of the input rotation (engine rotation) change when moving from the initial stage to the later stage.

Abstract: In a vehicle with a gear-shift transmission of a kind that requires a torque-free state to shift gears, the riding comfort is improved by a method of shifting gears where a gear shift is preceded by the steps of: reducing the vehicle acceleration at a time t1 from an existing level (1) to a first acceleration level (3), maintaining the vehicle acceleration at the reduced level (3) for a predetermined time interval, and at the end point t3 of the predetermined time interval, reducing the acceleration further to a second acceleration level that is lower than the first level.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain modelling system includes a powertrain model (20), a vehicle model (30), a seat model (55), a driver model (60) and a correlation element (50) comprising a neural network. As a result vehicle development is enhanced, using the neural network (50) to correlate modelled shift aspects with previous subjectively obtained ratings.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a drive unit, a driver command value is formed while considering the current transmission ratio and the drive unit is controlled in dependence upon the driver command value. In addition, a predicted driver command value is determined in dependence upon transmission ratios other than the current transmission ratio. In addition, the minimum and maximum possible values are considered in the formation of the driver command value. A correction of the driver command value is undertaken in dependence upon the difference between minimum possible torque and minimum requested torque or between maximum possible torque and maximum requested torque.

Abstract: A method for controlling the gear release in an automated multi-speed drive in a vehicle drive with a drive motor and a separating clutch positioned between the drive motor and the multi-speed drive that the events “application of a shifting power” and “opening of the separating clutch” are determined dependent on reaching certain vehicle accelerations (agear—release, aclutch—engage). The vehicle acceleration (aveh) decreases at the beginning of the shifting process due to the reduction of the fuel injection quantity (EM) supplied to the drive motor.

Abstract: In a parallel manual transmission, an upshifting under power is executed based upon preset operating conditions, for example with a fully depressed accelerator pedal, without an electronically controlled, load-reducing ignition retard. When shifting to a higher gear, the engine output is used for increasing the speed of the engine and for the propulsion of the vehicle, based upon the operating condition of the drive train.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for determining a driver command and especially a kickdown command. This driver command is only detected when the pedal position or a desired value derived therefrom exceeds a pregiven threshold value and when the gradient of the pedal position or the desired value derived therefrom exceeds a pregiven threshold value.

Abstract: The invention has been made to eliminate a feeling of two-phase speed-change operations by causing a speed-change operation to proceed continuously when the speed-change operation is performed through two-phase control of engagement and release of four engagement elements. To accomplish this purpose, the invention provides a control apparatus for an automatic transmission wherein a predetermined speed-change operation is achieved through a pre-phase speed-change operation in which a first engagement element and a third engagement element are released and engaged respectively and through a post-phase speed-change operation in which a second engagement element and a fourth engagement element are released and engaged respectively. The control apparatus sets a target rotational acceleration of an input shaft of the transmission, and controls release of the second engagement element for a transition to the post-phase speed-change operation in accordance with the target rotational acceleration.

Abstract: Device and method for shift control in an automatic transmission of a vehicle wherein the feedback control includes determining relative rate of change in turbine revolution during power-on up-shift, thereby preventing generation of shift impact in the shifting process. The device comprises a vehicle run state detecting unit for detecting a vehicle run state; a shift control unit for performing a power-on up-shift control, including controlling the relative rate of change in turbine revolution; and a driving unit for supplying and stopping supply of oil pressure discharged from an oil pump to perform the shifting in response to shift mode state output synchronization, throttle valve openness, revolution at output shaft, engine revolution, shift lever position and acceleration pedal operation state.

Abstract: A method is provided for promoting compliance by a vehicle operator with a payload standard for a vehicle. The payload weight of the vehicle is determined. The payload weight is compared with the payload standard to determine if the payload weight is compliant with the payload standard. The operation of the vehicle is then limited if the payload weight is not in compliance.

Abstract: The invention eliminates the feeling of two-phase speed-change operations by causing a speed-change operation to proceed continuously when the speed-change operation is performed through two-phase control of engagement and release of four engagement elements. An automatic transmission is such that a predetermined speed-change operation is achieved through a pre-phase speed-change operation in which a first engagement element and a third engagement element are released and engaged respectively and through a post-phase speed-change operation in which a second engagement element and a fourth engagement element are released and engaged respectively.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control system for an automobile, comprising a vehicle weight estimation unit which estimates a vehicle weight of the automobile a torque estimation unit which estimates an output torque, an acceleration input unit which accepts an acceleration signal; a load estimation unit (110) which estimates a running load from the estimated vehicle weight, the estimated output torque and the accepted acceleration; a memory which stores a plurality of shift schedules therein; and a gear position determination unit (109) which includes the memory, and which selects one of the shift schedules in accordance with the vehicle weight and the estimated running load, so as to determine a gear position of an automatic transmission of the automobile in conformity with the selected shift schedule. An exact shift operation conformed to the vehicle weight and the running load can be performed, and an enhanced fuel consumption can be attained.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control system for an automobile, comprising a vehicle weight estimation unit which estimates a vehicle weight of the automobile a torque estimation unit which estimates an output torque, an acceleration input unit which accepts an acceleration signal; a load estimation unit (110) which estimates a running load from the estimated vehicle weight, the estimated output torque and the accepted acceleration; a memory which stores a plurality of shift schedules therein; and a gear position determination unit (109) which includes the memory, and which selects one of the shift schedules in accordance with the vehicle weight and the estimated running load, so as to determine a gear position of an automatic transmission of the automobile in conformity with the selected shift schedule. An exact shift operation conformed to the vehicle weight and the running load can be performed, and an enhanced fuel consumption can be attained.