Production of Ford’s new PowerShift transmission underway

Ford Motor Company has aready started the production of the the PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission that will be fitting the 2011 Ford Fiesta. The new transmission is part of the company’s commitment to increase fuel economy.

Produced by GETRAG Americas, a joint venture between the GETRAG Group and GETRAG FORD Transmissions, the new PowerShift automatic is being built at a new facility in Irapuato, Mexico.

“We believe this new automatic transmission for the Fiesta will be the most advanced in the segment, offering far better performance than our competitors,” said Piero Aversa, team leader for PowerShift development. “It’s an advanced gearbox that reduces complexity, saves weight, increases responsiveness and performance – all while helping keep the engine in its peak efficiency mode – resulting in class-leading fuel economy.”

Based on efficient manua transmission technology, the dual dry-clutch PowerShift automatic transmission eliminates the additional weight and complexity of a torque converter, planetary gears and the fluid pumps employed in traditional automatics.

“Ford’s advanced new six-speed automatic transmissions will really surprise our customers, and our competitors,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president of Powertrain Development. “They provide the convenience of traditional automatics with fuel economy leadership, as well as responsive performance and driving dynamics that make these cars fun to drive. And we’re adding six-speed transmissions to our most accessible vehicles, not just our luxury offerings and high-performance models.”

The 2011 Ford Focus will be the second model that will be receiving the new PowerShift transmission and should increase fuel economy up to 10 percent of the current Focus 2.0-litre powertrain.