FCA vehicles to use ZF 8-speed automatic

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will be souring the fourth-gen ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox for their future rear-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles with front-longitudinal drive configuration. 

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has signed a deal with German transmission supplier ZF. The American auto giant will be sourcing ZF’s new 8-speed automatic transmission for their future rear-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles with front-longitudinal drive configuration. According to ZF, the newly signed deal with FCA is the second largest single order in ZF’s history - the first largest order came from BMW for the same gearbox only months ago.

FCA will be getting the fourth-gen 8-speed automatic, which will go into production from 2022 at ZF’s plant in Saarbruecken. As per the company, this new gearbox has been optimized and features an integrated electric drive for hybrid variants. Given the fact that FCA has a strong presence in the USA and China, ZF plans to manufacture the new gearbox in these locations as well.

Commenting on the development, Wolf-Henning Scheider, CEO, ZF, said: "We are pleased being nominated as global transmission supplier by FCA. This is our second major order for the new 8HP and it confirms our strategy to focus on plug-in hybrids as an every-day solution and to develop attractive products in these areas.”

ZF claims the new gearbox could be installed in almost all types of vehicles with a front-longitudinal drive configuration. The integration of the electric drive will help reduce CO2 emissions, while its modular layout will help manufacturers change from one transmission variant to another, depending on specific production requirements.

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