A brief discussion on why Chery replaced it with an Aisin gearbox. Is it the promised domestic technology master?
Gearboxes have always been the shortcomings of independent brands, especially the AT gearbox, which tests one's skills the most.
In the independent category, gearboxes have always been a huge shortcoming. From a technical perspective, the priority of engines must be higher than gearboxes. In the past ten years, the core focus of independent brands has been on how to Forging a powerful engine.
The breakthrough in gearbox barriers has actually only occurred in the past few years.
There are still many first-tier independent brands that have not overcome the constraints of gearboxes. For example, Changan is still a strategic partner of Aisin, Geely and Trumpchi took the lead in establishing joint ventures with Aisin, and Great Wall is in the high-end market. As for the model, ZF
still chooses the 8AT gearbox.
All independent brands have shortcomings and bottlenecks, so it is obviously not surprising that Chery purchases gearboxes.
In fact, the gearbox has always been Chery's biggest shortcoming. The degree of this shortcoming is even much greater than that of other independent brands. Compared with the 7DCT450 dual-clutch gearbox independently developed by Great Wall, Geely's AT and dual-clutch gearboxes,
Chery's automatic gearboxes are mostly purchased from outside,
It is difficult to match the gearbox, which has always been a common problem among independent brands.
Design is not the key to restricting the development of independent brands. From a rational point of view, any independent brand can easily obtain the structural drawings of Aisin and ZF, and cannot produce high-standard, high-stability transmissions. The key to the box lies in detail forging and matching and debugging.
In other words, not only the hardware can’t keep up, but the software can’t keep up either.
After all, a good gearbox not only needs to be reliable and durable, but also needs to be adaptable to a wide range of gearbox types, from naturally aspirated to turbocharged. A lot of testing is required to ensure that the gearbox works of perfection.
The industry cannot provide technical support, which is the key to the overall inability of independent brands to overcome the problem of AT gearboxes.
As a company, backed by an excellent supply chain system, it is possible to put gearbox research and development at the end of strategic planning. After all, many independent brands focus on product design.
The gearbox can be purchased. There is no need to independently develop the excellent technology that is readily available. Just like the four-wheel drive system, there is a serious foreign patent blockade. If you want to circumvent the blockade, you can create structural components with independent intellectual property rights. Not only is it difficult, but the cost aspect may not be more cost-effective than purchasing.
And this is not reliable and stable. It is still unknown whether the new independently developed technology can compete with traditional established suppliers in terms of stability.
For independent brands, without the support of a strong industrial chain, it is extremely difficult to create a more reliable and stable AT gearbox. This is why all independent brands purchase Aisin, The key to ZF.
Chery’s purchase of Aisin gearboxes may not be a bad thing.
From a rational point of view, Chery’s new engine has the characteristics of fast action and high torque, and is on the front line in terms of power. However, there is currently no excellent gearbox to adapt to it, so purchase an Aisin transmission. Boxes must be the best strategy.
Ensuring user comfort and interests is the key for companies to serve the user market. After all, Great Wall, Changan, Geely, BYD and other companies humbly seek advice from foreign-funded companies in this regard. Although technology and other explorations do not respect national boundaries , but the heart of exploring technology should not stop.
In my opinion, Chery’s purchase of Aisin gearboxes is a stopgap measure for the industry. The key is that this company should have the attitude and determination to strengthen its technical standards.