Magna Gets the Biggest Transmission Tech Contract in Its History

Magna International recently sealed a major deal on delivery of transmission solutions with BMW Group. It is referred to supply of FWD dual-clutch transmissions (including hybrid solutions). It is considered to be the biggest deal in Magna’s history.

The company has undertaken a commitment to manufacture DCT and hybrid gearboxes for the German Auto Giant over a period of several years. The supplier did not unveil the period or the financial arrangements of the deal. According to Magna, at the moment the company cannot give more details on the deal because of the respective request from the ordering customer. The gear shifting options will be manufactured at Magna’s manufacturing facilities in Europe.

Magna hybrid dual-clutch transmission

DCT is a relatively new gear shifting technology to the automotive industry and it is quite similar to a manual gearbox, apart from a clutch foot pedal. Compared to conventional manuals, where drivers have to constantly engage and disengage a clutch pedal, in DCTs there are 2 automatically controlled clutches that shift gears and do not require any intervention from the driver. One of the main advantages of DCT transmissions is that 2 clutches guarantee impressively fast shift times, without detaching the engine from the gearbox, thereby ensuring lack of interruptions in torque delivery. Thus, vehicles that come with DCT transmissions are notable for increased efficiency and fuel economy.

Learn more about Magna International and its vision

The abovementioned gear shifting technologies will find application in a wide range of vehicle models. However, it is still unknown how many units Magna plans to manufacture on a yearly basis and when the production will be launched. Magna said its new hybrid technology does not affect the total package dimensions of the transmission, which gives production flexibility to the car manufacturer. The hybrids also utilize a space-saving, 48V high-rpm e-motor within the gearbox casing, providing advanced operating features and at the same time further enhancing fuel efficiency. Scalable DCTs improve drivability while at the same time ensuring impressive levels of efficiency, which makes Magna’s solutions a perfect match for BMW.