Ford, GM Collaborating on 9- and 10-Speed Automatics

Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. are jointly developing a nine-speed automatic transmission for front-drive cars and a 10-speed transmission for rear-drive vehicles, according to Automotive News, which cites unidentified sources.

AN says GM is heading the nine-speed gearbox project, and Ford is in charge of the 10-speed program. The transmissions won't be ready for production until at least 2015, according to the newspaper.

GM and Ford partnered a decade ago to develop six-speed automatics for front-wheel-drive vehicles that have since gone into production. Adding more gears to an automatic improves its ability to deliver greater engine efficiency by better matching engine speed to propulsion power demands.

Both companies acknowledge discussions with the other, but neither confirms the alliance. The New York Times reported earlier today that the two companies are in discussions about developing transmissions and perhaps a joint manufacturing partnership.

Several other carmakers use seven- and eight-speed automatics already. GM plans a mid-2014 introduction for its own eight-speed gearbox for rear-drive powertrains, but sources tell AN that unit is likely to be made in "very, very low volume." Chrysler has announced plans to add a nine-speed automatic developed by ZF Friedrichshafen AG.