I don’t know if you have noticed that there are fewer and fewer models equipped with AT gearboxes around us. Recently, there is news that Changan Eidong PLUS will launch a 1.6L CVT model at the end of this month. Even its old partner equipped with Aisin 6AT has also added a CVT gearbox version. It is not difficult to see that the 1.6L naturally aspirated power version of Eado PLUS currently on sale has only two transmission systems: manual gearbox and Aisin 6AT. After the addition of the CVT version, it goes without saying that the most affected ones are It is a model equipped with Aisin 6AT. Although it is known as a rich product line, its intention to weaken its reliance on the AT version is quite obvious.
Although AT gearboxes can withstand large torques, and their quality stability and shifting impact are generally better than dual-clutch gearboxes, why are more and more models gradually withdrawing from the AT camp? In this issue, we will talk about why more and more models are abandoning AT gearboxes from three perspectives: cost, technology, and competition.
Cost aspect
For most people-friendly models, cost will be the primary issue they consider. For some models, even the cost of engine plastic covers and hood sound insulation cotton are higher Stupid, not to mention that the price difference of this gearbox can easily reach tens of thousands, which is like a piece of roasted goose leg. The high cost of the AT gearbox is not the manufacturer's sky-high asking price. The AT gearbox not only contains a hydraulic torque converter, but also requires many planetary gear combinations, plus corresponding solenoid valves, sensors, and various components. , not only the structure is complex, but the manufacturing cost also increases a lot.
In contrast, dual-clutch gearboxes and CVT gearboxes with simpler mechanisms are much more complex and cost-intensive to manufacture. For some consumers who do not understand cars, transmissions are only divided into automatic and manual transmissions. They do not understand the form of automatic transmissions and product features. Under this prerequisite, the high cost of the AT gearbox seems thankless. Some car manufacturers have reduced vehicle costs by switching to lower-cost gearboxes. Doing so will be very beneficial to car companies, whether it is lowering the official guide price to increase the model's appeal to consumers, or obtaining greater profits.
Technical aspect
As mentioned above, the main reason why the AT gearbox is high in cost is that the gearbox has a complex structure, and the technical problems involved may even require More difficult than building an engine. More importantly, despite the complex research and development of AT gearboxes, its technical patents are still in the hands of mainstream manufacturers such as ZF and Aisin. If you want to produce a decent AT gearbox, you have to pay high patent fees. , or go to great lengths to bypass all technology patents.
But for ordinary car companies, there are not so many technical ways to independently develop AT gearboxes, and it is not worthwhile to pay patent fees to develop AT gearboxes. It is precisely because of the above restrictions that my country's independent brand car companies will vigorously develop electric vehicles or switch to dual-clutch and CVT gearboxes with fewer technical barriers.
Competition level
Toyota and Volkswagen are currently the two major automobile giants in the world. I don’t know if you still have the impression that before Volkswagen developed a dual-clutch gearbox, many models had It is a Japanese Aisin gearbox purchased. This is precisely where the problem lies. Aisin is not only the leading player in the field of transmissions, but more importantly, Toyota controls its 22.2% stake. This is quite significant for Volkswagen, as it controls the transmission system among its competitors. fatal.
On the one hand, in the cooperation between Toyota and Aisin, Toyota has an advantage compared to other car companies. Not only can the purchase cost have an "internal price", but the tacit understanding of Toyota models on early models equipped with Aisin transmissions is better than that on Volkswagen models. The secret of this is obvious to all.
Such problems also occur in other brands that use Aisin gearboxes. No matter how well the OEM adjusts this AT gearbox, you will not be able to sell it well and the purchase cost will not be reduced. .
You sell well but are restricted by the supply of Aisin transmissions. The sales of automatic models are severely restricted by transmission system suppliers. These two situations are particularly obvious in the early stages of independent brands' start-up. At present, many capable mainstream independent brands are also imitating the Volkswagen of the year and beginning to develop their own dual-clutch gearboxes, thereby getting rid of the competition restrictions of AT gearboxes.