Europe may have long resisted the automatic gearbox, but new environmental and fuel efficiency legislation combined with major advances in electronics and manufacturing techniques are paving the way for a flood of new automated transmission technologies.

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These include high-performance AMTs, dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs), Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) for smaller vehicles and highly innovative new technologies such as Torotrak’s Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT) and the Antonov’s Automatic Drive.


A new research report from just-auto that examines the sector in detail suggests that the most likely ‘winner’ (that will replace traditional automatics and boost market penetration of automated transmissions generally) will be the dual-clutch, pre-select DCT concept.


DCT is growing in significance due to its combination of refinement, efficiency, low cost and driving satisfaction.


Supplier BorgWarner has long been associated with dual-clutch systems with Volkswagen.

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The VW Group pioneered this technology and continues to push dual-clutch technology in Europe. VW co-developed the six-speed twin-clutch gearboxes (branded DSG) with BorgWarner, making use of the supplier’s DualTronic wet-clutch and control-system technology.


In addition to its performance and fuel economy benefits, a feature of this dual-clutch is the fact that it can be ‘tuned’ via software thereby changing the personality from sporty to limo-comfortable.


Manufacturers are predicting steady growth for DCT over the next few years.


BorgWarner says it expects production of its dual-clutch transmission modules to increase 500% over the next six years, a key driver of the company’s growth.


At full-launch of announced programmes under contract in 2012-2013, the company will be providing its DualTronic technology to an expected 2.3 million dual-clutch transmissions annually.


See also: Global market review of OE gearbox clutches – forecasts to 2014