NDRC to coordinate auto transmission R&D project

China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) is coordinating a wide-scale R&D project focusing on automotive transmission technology. The project will reportedly be carried out as a joint venture, to be called China United Development Industry Co. The venture brings together more than 10 domestic automotive OEMs, including FAW, SAIC, Changan, Brilliance, Geely and Chery, to focus on the development of automatic transmissions, particularly dual-clutch transmissions (DCT). The report quotes an unnamed insider at Changan Auto as stating that his company will hold 10% in the joint venture. Chinese OEMs have been importing automatic transmissions from overseas companies for use in their locally made vehicles. This latest project is aimed at reducing imports and stimulating local technology development. However, a partner with expertise in DCT technology is needed to assist with the project, and the China United Development Industry Co. is seeking the assistance of BorgWarner Transmission Systems. (May 15, 2008)