Although the DCT dual-clutch transmission core module can be implemented domestically in 2011, domestic companies still cannot match the DCT under the background of the auto-transformer assembly. However, recently Chang'an, Jianghuai and other companies have begun brewing the second wave of joint development, since the change box assembly is their goal.
Self-allocating box assembly put on the agenda
“We have already inspected the German Giff and Ricardo before, and we will organize an inspection of the German HOFER.” Yang Berlin told reporters on the phone.
Yang Berlin is the deputy chief engineer of Changan Automobile Group. At present, he and Zhu Ronghua, vice president of research and development of Changan, are leading the development of a joint development-automatic transmission assembly. At present, companies such as Jianghuai and Changfeng have joined the project. "We all think that the joint development is good, and people are more powerful." Yang Berlin said.
Chang'an, Jianghuai and Changfeng are all members of China Hairlink. In the middle of last year, with the straight line of the National Development and Reform Commission, the “Zhongfa United” was established to jointly develop and master key technologies. Each of FAW and SAIC holds 20%, Dongfeng, Chang’an, and Chery each hold 10%, and Brilliance and JAC. , Changfeng, Geely, Guangzhou Automobile each holds 5% of the shares, Great Wall holds 3%, Zhongshun holds 2% of shares.
On November 25 last year, China Development Alliance signed a joint venture with BorgWarner to launch the three core modules of DCT in 2011. On May 20, the joint venture factory laid the foundation in Dalian.
However, problems arose. The DCT core module is produced at the joint venture plant. However, with these modules, it is still difficult for the 12 domestic companies to independently complete the development of the automatic transmission assembly. How to solve this problem? Only to find BorgWarner, Giff, Ricardo and other professional assembly design company support.
“According to previous investigations, Giff and Ricardo have a successful experience on DCT and can help us to develop the assembly. HOFER has not yet examined it.” Yang Bolin stated that the local company has not yet decided which company to cooperate with. It has not been decided whether it is a joint venture or only technical cooperation.
“Their three design companies are very enthusiastic. Which one is cheaper and which one is better? Which is why BorgWarner is asking for too much price.” Another source told reporters.
Absence of many companies
The reporter was informed that companies intending to jointly develop may form a joint venture company, but at present, many companies have made it clear that they do not participate. FAW and SAIC are the two giants that definitely do not participate.
According to an insider from BorgWarner, FAW is conducting in-depth discussions with BorgWarner on the automatic transmission assembly, and it is possible to establish a joint venture company in terms of self-aligning tank assembly. Guan Yue, deputy director of FAW Car Engine Factory, confirmed that FAW plans to establish an automatic transmission assembly joint venture company in Changchun and go forward with the above-mentioned module joint venture company and start production in 2011.
SAIC and Gifford have already reached an agreement. Previously, Wu Li, general manager of Geoff Suzhou Co., Ltd. disclosed that as early as before BorgWarner had joint investment with China Motors, Giffo had signed a contract with SAIC to prepare a dual clutch automatic transmission for the Roewe 750.
With the exception of FAW and SAIC, GAC, Geely, Brilliance and Great Wall did not participate in the development of this assembly. Zhang Renqi, president of China Friendship Alliance, told reporters that GAC has purchased the shares of Fiat Power's Hangzhou joint venture. Geely bought the Australian transmission company, while Brilliance and Great Wall want to purchase directly, so they do not participate in joint development.
Yang Berlin said that some companies do not want to participate does not matter, Changan and other companies will jointly develop, and the original manual transmission of the production line to transform, but I hope the country to give clear support.
According to Giff’s prediction, the proportion of domestic manual transmissions will decrease to 64% by 2010, the market share of AT will increase to 30%, and the market share of CVT, AMT and DCT will account for 3%, 2% and 1% respectively. FAW's expectation is that by 2013 DCT's market share will reach 7%.
DCT three modules are only the first step
“In fact, before the joint venture, we said that the three major DCT modules are the first step. After providing 12 companies, the assembly and cabinet are their own.” Zhang Wenchang, Director of Operations at BCD Warner DCT, said that the Development and Reform Commission The requirement is to find competent cooperation without the ability of assembly.
Zhang Wenchang is currently the general manager of a joint venture plant in Dalian. "I know that some of the members of the China Development Alliance want to jointly develop the assembly, but my opinion is that the cost is too great. I'd rather find FAW or SAIC."
Fu Xiuqi, deputy general manager of Giff China, also stated that even with the core modules, the investment in establishing an automatic transmission assembly line is equally huge.
Regarding the construction of a production line with an annual production capacity of 150,000 sets of self-aligning boxes, it may not be denied that Yang Berlin did not deny it. However, he said that due to his unwillingness to disclose the secrets of the models and the good prospect of DCT, several companies still hope to develop their own. .
"Anyway, the mode of joint development should be positive. From the near-term perspective, it can realize localization of self-varying containers, and in the long-term, it will be beneficial to mastering the technology." Zhang Renqi, president of China Hairlink, said that the investment projects of China Hairlink will not stop there. DCT officials from the National Development and Reform Commission have already communicated with China Friendship Development on the next investment project, but did not disclose the specific projects.
However, Fu Yuwu, secretary general of the China Automobile Engineering Society, expressed different opinions. He said that the model for the cooperation between China Development and BorgWarner is not very good. It can neither obtain foreign technology, but also limits the independent innovation of local companies.
