AFSCME 3357-HOF'S BLOG

Could One Transmission Sink Both GM and Ford?

This fall marks the debut of a new 6-speed automatic transmission that was co-developed by General Motors and Ford. Working from a common design, the automakers are producing their transmissions in separate plants with minor variations as their products require.

If everything works well, the 6-speed will at least match the competition, and in some cases the transmission will be a competitive advantage. Nevertheless, new transmissions have historically been the cause for some massive recalls and bad public relations. Most recently, Toyota has run into problems with its 6-speed automatic, a transmission that is featured in the V-6 versions of the redesigned 2007 Camry.

In the late 1980s Chrysler Corporation had a problem with its then revolutionary computer-controlled 4-speed automatic transmission called the Ultradrive. From 1989 to 1999, the Center for Auto Safety reports at least 50 technical service bulletins on various models of the Ultradrive transmission. Descendants of the Ultradrive power most of Chrysler's U.S. products to this day, but reports of failures have apparently decreased to unremarkable levels. Chrysler's 6-speed transmission debuts with this fall's 2007 Chrysler Sebring. Chrysler's 6-speed carries over much of its design from the 4-speed Ultradrive and is built in the same plant in Kokomo, Indiana.

If the new GM/Ford transmission proves to be smooth, reliable and economical, it could contribute to the revitalization of both companies. That being said, neither company is in a position to take a hit like the Ultradrive levied on Chrysler. The competition is too fierce, so the margin for error is small.