Magneti Marelli projects that by 2020, almost 30% of passenger cars sold will have AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).
Here in India, we first for the taste of the affordable automatic technology in the form of AMT with the Maruti Suzuki Celerio hatchback. With the instant success, and high demand backed by brilliant marketing, the AMT gearbox has gained popularity and almost all manufacturers are looking at it. Even Tata took the opportunity to bring in a diesel engined AMT with the Zest, which is a segment first.
But at the moment, there is short supply of these AMT gearboxes and hence, long waiting periods on the cars. Magneti Marelli is now looking at manufacturing AMT kits here in India for faster availability. From this Indian manufacturing unit, the company could also supply to Asean regions and Japan.
Also, AMT cars are relatively cheaper than the conventional automatic cars. Also, with an AMT, you get better fuel efficiency than even a manual gearbox. Features like these will be able to attract a wider audience here in India.
Magneti Marelli has already made investments upwards of Rs. 800 crore here in India to meet demand.
Source – ET Auto