Use of Advanced Gearboxes at Record High in U.S.

The U.S. market share for new vehicles fitted with transmissions that have between seven and 10 forward gears grew to 18% for cars and 22% for light trucks in the U.S. last year, according to the Dept. of Energy’s Oak Ridge (Tenn.) National Laboratory.

Such transmissions accounted for about 15% and 18% of new cars and trucks, respectively, in 2015, and less than 10% of either segment in 2013. The first 7-speed (or higher) transmission in the U.S. was launched in 2004 for cars and two years later in trucks.  

Six-speed transmissions have been equipped in more than half of all light vehicles sold in the U.S. since 2011, with penetration peaking at 60% in 2013. Last year about 59% of trucks and 53% of cars had 6-speed gearboxes.

Four- and 5-speed transmissions fell to 2.8% and 0.8% of the new car market and 0.6% and 5% of new trucks last year, the study says. Three-speed units haven’t been offered in either segment since 2003.

Continuously variable transmissions were used in 26% of U.S. cars last year and 13% of trucks. Both rates were down slightly from 2015 levels.

The report doesn’t differentiate among automatic, mechanical and dual-clutch transmissions. Oak Ridge notes that fuel efficiency and performance tend to improve as more forward gears are added. Several carmakers and suppliers are said to be developing 11-speed transmissions.