cars news 10: Honda Starts Production of 10-Speed Automatic

Honda kicked off global production of its new 10-speed automatic in Georgia this week. The transmission will make its first appearance in the 2018 Honda Odyssey which arrives this spring.

Designed entirely in house by Honda, the transmission is the world’s first 10-speed automatic for front-wheel-drive vehicles. After launching on higher trim levels of the Odyssey, the 10-speed will make its way to a variety of Honda and Acura vehicles launching over the next decade.

Honda announced it will invest nearly $150 million in producing the 10-speed automatic at two manufacturing plants in the U.S. A total of $100 million will go toward a new assembly line and production modifications for Honda Precision Parts of Georgia, where production of the 10-speed has begun. Honda’s plant in Russells Point, Ohio, will also start building the transmission with the help of $49 million for new equipment and a boost in production capacity.

Ten-speed transmissions are relatively new, but other automakers are starting to roll them out on new vehicles. Ford and General Motors worked together on a 10-speed automatic transmission that has launched on the 2017 F-150 Raptor and 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The unit will make its way to the 2018 Ford Mustang later this year.

Source: Honda