In a bid to help the company reach its goal of achieving 40% low-emission vehicle sales in the US by 2030, Stellantis on Thursday announced that it would invest $ 229 million in three of its Kokomo, Indiana, plants.
The investment will support the retooling of the Kokomo Transmission (KTP), Kokomo Casting, and Indiana Transmission plants to produce the fourth-generation eight-speed transmission. This new transmission will have the flexibility to be paired with internal combustion engines and mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid propulsion systems for vehicles across the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler and Dodge brands. It will deliver improved fuel economy, provide pure-electric range and help vehicles meet future emission regulations, the company said.
Brad Clark, Head of Powertrain Operations, Stellantis, said, 'This investment and this transmission represent an important stepping stone in getting us to 2030 and further expanding our battery electric offerings. This new eight-speed is the 'multi-tool' of transmissions. It is a versatile transmission that can be adapted for a variety of applications, allowing us the flexibility to adjust our production as consumer demand for electrified vehicles grows over the next decade. It also offers consumers the opportunity to get familiar with this technology and explore all of the benefits that can come from electrification.'
The new, fourth-generation eight-speed transmission will capitalise on several common parts within the different versions – transmission gear train/clutch, mechatronics, mechanical pump and E-pump motor. It also will have the flexibility for unique parts to adapt to the various electrification options. These parts include the eMotor, torque converter and power electronics.