Skoda Auto Volkswagen Group started its second innings in the country with the India 2.0 programme which witnessed the first model launch in 2021. The programme revolved around developing heavily localised vehicles based on the India-specific MQB A0 IN architecture.
Yet certain components are still outsourced from foreign entities which raise production cost. The Czech carmaker intends to address this issue with a new indigenous gearbox. A recent media report by Autocar India states Skoda is developing a new Aisin-sourced 8-speed automatic gearbox which will replace the existing 6-speed gearbox globally.
The current 6-speed converter gearbox, codenamed AQ250, which performs duties in the 1.0-litre TSI petrol unit of Kushaq and Slavia as well as Taigun and Virtus from its sister brand Volkswagen is also sourced from Aisin but not produced locally. Skoda has already started the process of phasing out the existing 6-speed AQ250 gearbox from its global lineup. However, volumes for the 8-speed torque converter unit are still low.
Skoda, which leads the development of the India 2.0 cars, is now looking to localise this 8-speed torque converter. Skoda VW group is hoping that OEMs like Maruti Suzuki and MG Motor which presently utilise the same 6-speed automatic transmission will upgrade to the new 8-speed unit to make a better business case for this gearbox. To make this gearbox more cost effective, Aisin will be producing this gearbox in India as well as Brazil.
The report states that this new gearbox will be making its debut by 2026, around 6-8 months after the mid-cycle facelift for Kushaq and Slavia which are due for launch around 2025. Later, it will be carried over to the Volkswagen siblings— Taigun and Virtus.
Not only will it help bring down production costs, the new 8-speed torque converter will also help Skoda-VW meet the upcoming CAFÉ III norms in India by bringing down emission levels. An 8-speed transmission delivers enhanced performance and efficiency. Its closely spaced gear ratios allow for seamless shifts, reducing power loss and optimising fuel consumption. This, in turn, contributes to lower CO2 emissions.
Source: Autocar India
