Ford Adds Hybrid Transmission to New Flexible Assembly Line

by Byron Pope
WardsAuto
August 3, 2012

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI ‚Äì Ford’s decision to add production of a new hybrid transmission at its Van Dyke Transmission plant here was based on a desire to avoid things like “in the old days,” a top executive says…

Prior Ford hybrids used a transmission sourced from Japanese supplier Aisin. Tetreault says the decision to develop a new transmission and bring its production in-house saves the auto maker the cost of freight, labor and components, as well as protecting it from fluctuating currency rates.

The new HF35 is superior to the Aisin transmission, as well, Tetreault says, noting its lighter, more fuel-efficient and able to handle greater loads.

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