Ford Motor Company today announced a new, $350-million investment it’s making in the Livonia Transmission Plant, to enable the production of a brand-new automatic transmission for transverse (FWD-based) applications.
This new investment is in addition to the $1.4 billion Ford invested last year to support production of the new 10-speed longitudinal (RWD-based) transmission used in the 2018 Ford F-150 and Mustang. The newest product will help create or retain roughly 800 jobs at the Livonia Transmission Plant.
“We remain committed to American manufacturing and investing in our people and facilities,” says Ford President of the Americas Joe Hinrichs. “Even as the industry’s largest employer of hourly workers in the United States and biggest producer of American-made vehicles, we believe it is important to continue investing right here in our home market.”
Ford hasn’t disclosed precisely which automatic transmission is about to enter production at the Livonia Transmission Plant, but the smart money would bet on the new 9-speed co-developed with General Motors. Both it and the 10-speed transmission that started production there last year are shared between the two rival automakers. Ford says the new, transverse automatic will share software, design elements, and manufacturing processes with the longitudinal 10-speed.
Comments
Just wondering when will all the gear ranges stop…..annoying changes…..have a 2015 Transit T 250….with only 6 speed…and get tired of constant…in and out shifts…when loaded…..seems even when A/C Compressor or a hard wind….it drops down a gear….dont a big fan….of constant shifts….Love the old C6 …three speed…..days…lol..