The 'automatic transmission' market in Italy is confirming a steady increase, with growth of six percentage points in the last five years (from 14.8% to 20.4%), including as many as four in the last two (from 16.7% to 20.4%). Supporting this growth were, in particular, the segments of sedans, both compact and larger, and SUVs. Below are some examples of CA demand in 2016:

-segment C: 27%;
-segment D: 69.8%;
-size SUV segment 72%.

Looking at other sales channels, the trend is the same in the fleet market, for example, both in ownership and long-term rental; there has been steady growth here since 2012, with a surge between 2015 and 2016 from 23% to almost 27%.

Another interesting statistic that emerged is the qualitative one whereby customers who drive an automatic transmission are on average more satisfied with their choice than those who drive a manual. Sector studies show that for customers, among the car features they are most satisfied with, as many as 22% declare automatic transmission the second most popular feature after style and before consumption. In other words, those who try it immediately appreciate its merits and never go back.

These are probably some of the reasons behind FCA's transmission choices; in fact, with the recent introduction of the 9-speed automatic transmission  948 TE, a range of automatic transmissions in response to multiple market demands.

FCA's 9-speed transverse gearbox was developed in collaboration with ZF Group and is produced at FCA's Kokomo plant in Indiana in the USA.

This unique transverse layout gearbox is fitted on the Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade and Jeep Cherokee.

Within the identification code: 948 TE we can find its main features:

- 9 = indicates nine forward gears.

- 48= identifies the torque capacity of the gearbox in 480 Newton metres.

- T= indicates that the gearbox is transversely mounted

- E= indicates electronic control.

Furthermore, through the barcode label on the housing, one can tell whether it is an FCA-manufactured or ZF-manufactured gearbox; the second and third characters of the traceability number identify the manufacturer. The letters PK indicate in particular that the gearbox was produced in Kokomo, Indiana.

Managed entirely by electronics and thanks to its wide range of gears, the 948 TE transmission ensures extremely smooth gear changes, improved acceleration and consequently lower emissions and greater fuel efficiency.

We leave you here and look forward to meeting you at the part two, in which we will address some technical and welfare issues.

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