German-based ZF Group used the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) to launch a new 9-speed front-transverse automatic transmission that will further improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions.
Chrysler is one of several automakers that will use this technology when production starts in 2012 at the Greenville, SC plant. An 8-speed variant has already been promised for rear-wheel drive Chrysler vehicles of the 2012 model year.
According to ZF, approximately 80 percent of the global auto fleet features a transversally-mounted transmission and increasing the number of gears contributes to superior engine efficiency since less energy is lost during gear shifts.
At a time when fuel economy and green technologies keep spreading across the industry and gaining consumer appreciation, expect the new 9-speed unit to wind up in a growing number of vehicles following its market release.
ZF hopes to triple North American sales in 2011 and plans on investing $1 billion in R&D operations.
Sources: ZF, Detroit Free Press and Autoblog
Chrysler is one of several automakers that will use this technology when production starts in 2012 at the Greenville, SC plant. An 8-speed variant has already been promised for rear-wheel drive Chrysler vehicles of the 2012 model year.
According to ZF, approximately 80 percent of the global auto fleet features a transversally-mounted transmission and increasing the number of gears contributes to superior engine efficiency since less energy is lost during gear shifts.
At a time when fuel economy and green technologies keep spreading across the industry and gaining consumer appreciation, expect the new 9-speed unit to wind up in a growing number of vehicles following its market release.
ZF hopes to triple North American sales in 2011 and plans on investing $1 billion in R&D operations.
Sources: ZF, Detroit Free Press and Autoblog