In recent years, automakers have been more and more willing to partner up and co-develop all sorts of things, ranging from individual components such as engines and transmissions to entire platforms and vehicles. Even though many of those automakers are rivals, such a thing makes lots of sense as a way to speed up development and cut costs by leveraging the power of collaboration. Ford and Volkswagen have been doing precisely that over the past few years, but as some may not be aware, The Blue Oval has also partnered with its cross-town rival General Motors on multiple occasions, too.
Just yesterday, GM and Hyundai announced that the two companies have officially signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding agreement with the intentions of exploring future collaboration across key strategic areas – including the co-development and production of both retail and commercial vehicles, as well as internal combustion engines, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and EVs, along with obtaining battery raw materials and steel, among other materials.
However, such a partnership is nothing new – in fact, Ford and GM have been working together to develop transitions for over 20 years now, starting with the six-speed automatic that both began building on their own in 2006 for essentially every front-wheel drive based model in the lineup of each.
Currently, Ford produces a variant of GM’s nine-speed transmission as well, though The Blue Oval opted to turn that unit into an eight-speed several years ago, as it reportedly didn’t find enough extra efficiency in that gearbox’s ninth gear to justify the extra cost and weight. Interestingly, just last year, GM followed suit and also ditched that extra gear in the 2024 Chevy Traverse. Meanwhile, GM currently produces its own 10-speed automatic transmission that was co-developed with Ford across its truck lineup, continuing this long-running relationship between foes.
Comments
Yes, and GM used cheaper components on the first batch of 6 speed FWD transmissions and their version experienced lots of early failures.
We have a 2012 Ford in the family with this transmission, still original and shifting great at 160k.
What are you talking about? They were both turds for years. GM’s issues with 6-speeds were solved right around the same time as Ford’s (2011-2013 and then onwards). Everything prior to 2011 from either company, and really 2013 for the General (when GM’s Lambda platform was refreshed), from either company was a toss-up. After those points, everything was much improved for both companies.
A 2009 GMC Acadia or Ford Flex didn’t really matter.
You’re one of the lucky ones. The Ford 6F35 was a nightmare for years.
The Ford developed 10R has been a gem. The GM 9 has been mediocre at best.
Those are different transmission architectures.
A direct comparison would be the Ford 8 speed and the GM 9 speed.
Ford will be supplying batteries for a lot of manufacturers with all the capacity that they (Ford) are currently building in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Ever body that buys a diesel w 10 speed think they are getting a Allison but gm is lying to them the bought Allison Name only that’s 10 speed is no more and Allison than the old 700r4 was lol lol but people are stupid enough to belive it
“However, such a partnership is nothing new – in fact, Ford and GM have been working together to develop transitions for over 20 years now” .
Brett, it should be transmissions, not transitions.
BTW, GM developed the first hydraulic automatic transmission.
Just look at who has the most recalls. FORD
The 10 speed transmission is usually bulletproof on the GMs, and is a constant source of problems on the Fords. Ford cheaped out on the transmission it would appear.
Just got quoted $10,000(!) for a new 10 speed transmission on a 23 Ford Transit. It died at 126,000 miles.