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Automotive Industry Corporate News
Automotive Industry Corporate News
Automotive industry is much wider than gearbox repairs and new transmission units launched on the market. It is wise to learn about new vehicles from various manufacturers recently introduced on the market, new technologies in modern cars - including Continuously Variable Transmissions, Direct-Shift Gearboxes - as well as automatic transmission fluid that would allow reduction of harmful emissions and many more things!
The FCA’s automotive investment program covering
the period until 2023 implies the discontinuation of what is known as a
time-proven industry veteran: the 4-speed Ultradrive automatic transmission. It
is not surprising that time of this famous unit comes to an end, as more
stringent CO2 emission rules require the use of more efficient transmissions,
which, in turn, implies more gears.
Allison
Transmission encourages European owners of construction fleets and vehicle
manufacturers to consider Allison’s transmission solutions with their operating
and TCO (total cost of ownership) as a viable alternative to AMTs (automatic manual
transmissions) commonly used in this segment.
GKN Automotive has recently embarked upon
implementation of the new stage in its electrification initiative. The major
supplier of AWD and electric driveline solutions is currently working on standardization
of P4 e-drive systems for environmentally friendly types of vehicles, with the
aim to cut expenses and provide performance gains.
GM has recently filed an application for a
patent on a method for controlling the transmission of a car by using a
prognostic road curvature feature, coming with a front-facing camera.
With the purpose of strengthening its potential
in the field of AI technologies, Aisin Seiki plans to construct the Hakata
Laboratory in Fukuoka. The project is expected to be implemented in May 2020.
Despite the fact that higher echelons of BMW
management previously assured admirers of BMW equipped with stick shifters that
the upcoming BMW M3 will come with a manual transmission option, but until recently
this promise hasn’t been backed with any substantial evidence. Fortunately, the
physical proof has been detected in the city streets.
Recently the German automaker VW has issued a
recall of the Jetta Hybrid, the only hybrid model included by VW for the US
market, for a transmission issue. This model comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch
transmission (also known as DSG).
Currently,
Ford is facing several legal actions related to the Powershift (DPS6)
transmission issues. This ill-reputed transmission found application in Fiesta
and Focus models. In
the latest Powershift-related judicial case, a couple, who pulled out of the
class-action lawsuit, filed a lawsuit against Ford in connection with the
problematic gearbox installed in their 2014 Focus car.
Subaru has issued a second recall in two days, this
time the compulsory measure is caused by a possible transmission malfunction in
the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Earlier, the automaker announced a recall of several
other models because of a faulty PCV valve leading to the engine failure.
Recently, it has transpired that the
Mercedes-Benz plant in Untertürkheim will focus on manufacturing of e-powertrains
(eATS) components. The eATS design includes 3 main components: the e-motor, its
power electronics, and gearbox.
BorgWarner plans to present its sophisticated
technical solutions intended for hybrid and electric vehicles at the EV Japan
2020 trade show, held early next year in Tokyo. Visitors of the BW’s booth will
have a chance to see a full range of e-mobility solutions, including e-motors,
battery and transmission units, power electronics, eTurbo technology and temperature
control solutions.
Due
to some issues with the transmission wiring harness on specific M models, BMW
has come up with a decision to suspend the sale of affected models and to
initiate their recall. The German car manufacturer has already informed the
NHTSA on the situation, but the organization hasn’t made any official
statements.