Groupe PSA selects Punch Powertrain technology for future electrified transmission

Punch Powertrain has been selected by Groupe PSA, Europe’s second largest car manufacturer, to supply its newest generation of patented e-DCT systems by 2022, as part of Groupe PSA’s electrification push.

Groupe PSA has been actively accelerating its shift to electrified vehicles Mild-hybrid (MHEV), Electric Vehicles (EV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) with the aim of developing an electrified offering covering 100% of its range by 2025.

In this context, Groupe PSA’s decision to select Punch Powertrain as the supplier of its next-generation electrified transmission systems is highly strategic.

The two companies are entering into discussions about manufacturing the technology at one of Groupe PSA’s plants and are exploring the possibility of extending the partnership.

Groupe PSA’s main reason for cooperating with Punch Powertrain is to leverage its cutting-edge and patented dual clutch transmission design, which allows for fewer components, and hence a lighter and more compact transmission system. In addition, it delivers outstanding performance and a very favorable fuel economy at a competitive cost. The next generation of this design, with a 48V motor configuration, will be installed by Groupe PSA in its vehicles.

This DCT technology establishes a new reference point for all competing DCTs in the passenger car and light commercial vehicle segments, given its outstanding characteristics.

The agreement with Groupe PSA is a major step for Punch Powertrain and is in line with its strategic vision of becoming a global automotive supplier. To secure sustainable and continuous growth, the company has focused on two objectives: expanding its product portfolio and establishing a worldwide customer base in global markets.

With Groupe PSA as its first large European customer, Punch Powertrain is meeting its second objective: securing its position in Europe and expanding its global footprint.

Punch Powertrain was founded in 1972 as a DAF factory. From 1975 to 1997, the factory belonged to Volvo and then to ZF transmission in 2005. In 2006, Guido Dumarey’s industrial holding Punch International bought the company to protect it from closure. In 2016, Punch Powertrain was acquired for about EUR 1 billion by China’s Yinyi Group from its previous shareholders LRM, Gimv, Capricorn and New Horizon. Since 2015, Punch Powertrain’s plant capacity has jumped from 300,000 to more than a million units per year, both in Belgium and in China.

Yinyi Group, based in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, China, was founded in 1994, to focus on industrial manufacturing, real estate development, domestic and foreign trade, and modern service industry. In 2017, the Group achieved sales revenues of CNY 78.3 billion (USD 12.3 billion) and a ranking of number 229 in China’s Top 500 Enterprises, China’s Top 500 Private Enterprises and China’s Top 500 Service Industry.