Honda to produce 10-speed transmission

Bigger is better, some say. And Honda has announced it is kicking off production of a 10-speed automatic transmission in the U.S.

And coming with it is a nearly $150 million investment in two manufacturing plants to produce the product. $100 million of that is going towards a new assembly line and production modifications at Honda Precision Parts of Georgia, LLC in Tallapoosa, Ga. And $49 million will be for new equipment and increased production capacity at Honda Transmission Mfg. of America, Inc. in Russells Point, Ohio.

The new transmission has a low-friction design, the company said, to “deliver outstanding drivability” in both Honda and Acura brand vehicles. The new 10-speed will be equipped on higher-end 2018 Honda Odyssey minivans this spring before being installed on future light-truck and car models.

It is the first 10-speed transmission for front-wheel drive cars, the Japanese automaker said. Ford and General Motors collaborated on a 10-speed automatic transmission for the 2017 F-150 Raptor and 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. It will also make its debut on the 2018 Ford Mustang when it is released this year.