VW Launches Production of China-Specific Transmission

Volkswagen AG has begun making a new version of its dual-clutch gearbox, the DQ380, in Tianjin, China, specifically for the local market.

The factory will have initial capacity to make 450,000 transmissions annually. It plans to expand to 1.2 million units by 2016.

VW will use the DQ380 in a variety of its brands made in China and powered by engines producing no more than 280 lb-ft of torque. Next year the Tianjin factory will begin making the DQ500 transmission for more powerful engines.

VW expects the DQ380 gearbox paired with its next-generation family of EA888 4-cylinder engines to reduce carbon dioxide emission by as much as 12 grams per mile. The engines are being made in 1.8- and 2.0-liter iterations at factories in Changchun and Shanghai.