Independent development of domestic automatic transmission
October 02 10:04:04, 2025
The Chinese automotive market has made remarkable achievements in a short period, but key technologies that determine the competitiveness of vehicles, especially automatic transmission technology, have not yet seen significant breakthroughs. This gap has hindered the industry's growth and highlighted the need for focused development.
**Current Development Status of Automatic Transmission**
In 2012, China’s passenger car production and sales exceeded 15 million units, with about 39% of these vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions—nearly 6 million units. However, the output of independent brand automatic transmissions was only around 35,000 units. By 2017, it was estimated that the total capacity for automatic transmissions would reach 7 million units, with only 500,000 units coming from domestic brands, accounting for just 7%. This stark contrast shows an imbalance in the development of autonomous transmission technologies, which has become a major obstacle to the industry's sustainable growth.
Since 2005, domestic automakers have struggled to secure automatic transmission resources. While some major OEMs managed to access imported systems, most were unable to acquire the necessary components. In response, various companies launched initiatives to develop their own automatic transmission technologies, leading to a surge in the domestic market. However, this path has proven more challenging than expected, with limited progress over the past decade.
Domestic involvement in automatic transmission development began in the 1980s, but real investment and focus started around 2003. Almost every major manufacturer and supplier has entered the field, resulting in numerous projects. Despite this, few have progressed smoothly, prompting reflection on the challenges involved. After analyzing several domestic projects, it is predicted that Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) will likely become the mainstream in the future.
**Case Studies**
1. **Independent CVT Development**
Launched in 2004, the project was expected to be completed in three years but took eight instead. The budget was 50 million yuan, but actual spending reached 200 million. Key issues included delays, lack of key component development, poor quality parts, and underestimation of TCU control complexity.
2. **Commissioned DCT Development**
Initiated in 2007, the project was expected to take four years but lasted six. Budget was 200 million, but actual cost rose to 300 million. Issues included design changes, quality problems, and extended testing periods due to insufficient understanding of the system.
3. **Joint Venture DCT Development**
Started in 2011, this project aimed to leverage foreign technology and reduce risk. However, it faced challenges such as unequal partnership dynamics and high costs. While the technology source was reliable, the Chinese side had limited influence.
4. **Autonomous + Commissioned DCT Development**
This hybrid model combined internal capabilities with external support, particularly in TCU control. Though cost-effective, it faced challenges in software-hardware coordination and responsibility definition.
After reviewing these cases, the author concludes that the autonomous + commissioned model offers the best balance between control and efficiency.
**Challenges in Automatic Transmission Development**
1. **Lack of Understanding and Strategic Focus**
Many decision-makers approach automatic transmission development using engine development logic, which is not always applicable. Unlike engines, automatic transmissions require deep integration with vehicles, engines, and electronic systems, making them more complex and less independent.
2. **Limited Cooperation Models**
Fully self-developed projects face technical and time barriers, while complete outsourcing lacks depth. Buying off-the-shelf technology often leads to outdated or inefficient solutions. Joint ventures offer benefits but can also restrict autonomy and innovation.
3. **High Technical Barriers**
Patents and proprietary technologies limit access to critical systems like AT, CVT, and DCT. Domestic suppliers are still in early stages, lacking experience and infrastructure for mass production.
4. **Insufficient Development Processes and Tools**
Many companies lack standardized databases, verification methods, and test plans. Poor planning and resource allocation lead to delays and increased costs.
5. **Weak Supply Chain System**
Domestic suppliers struggle to meet the demands of simultaneous development and lack the necessary processes and specifications for key components.
**Recommendations for Independent Development**
- **Strategic Collaboration**: Partner with specialized firms, especially for electronic control systems, which are crucial for performance and safety.
- **Avoid Cost Overruns**: A well-structured cooperation model can significantly reduce costs and improve efficiency. Testing and verification are the largest contributors to expenses, and better planning can cut costs by over 30%.
**Conclusion**
Understanding the current state of automatic transmission development is essential for future progress. Focused efforts, strategic alliances, and shared ownership models can enhance resource utilization and drive innovation. The path forward requires collaboration, patience, and a long-term vision to overcome the existing challenges and build a competitive domestic transmission industry.
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