Europe Falling In Love With Auto Transmissions?

DENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – November 19, 2008: It is conventional wisdom that American motorists like an automatic transmission in their cars and that europeans drivers do not. And yet according to Bosch motorists here in Europe are taking to automatic transmissions in growing numbers and the yearly growth rate is set to hit 6% over the next seven years.

This year Bosch is celebrating 25 years as a market leader in the supply of electronic controls for automatic transmission systems. Then as now the company’s objective is to use electronic transmission controls to provide a high degree of comfort through fast, gentle gear changing and to develop these strategies to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Bosch supplies electronic and hydraulic components for controlling automatic transmission units, continuously variable transmissions (CVT), dual-clutch transmission and automated manual transmissions (AMT). In addition, the company supplies control units and actuators for torque distribution transmissions and differential locks for vehicles with four-wheel drive.

The first application of an electrohydraulic transmission control was introduced by Bosch in 1983. Back then, the 4-gear automatic transmission on the BMW 745i was controlled by an 8-bit computer. Subsequent developments included the first adaptive transmission control (ATC) introduced in 1992, a system that recognises the driver’s driving technique and adapts the gear shifts to suit, for example from economical early upshifts to changes to fit a more sporty style.

The first 32-bit electronic control unit was launched in 1996, and in 2001 Bosch introduced the first mechatronic control module which integrated electronic and mechanical components. In 2005 Bosch commenced series production of the TEHCM (Transmission Electro Hydraulic Control Module) which created a new benchmark for transmission control providing weight advantages and robustness as well as ensuring maximum reliability. A current example of Bosch’s innovative transmission control developments is the module for an 8-gear automatic transmission which has been designed to further improve gear- shifting dynamics and to reduce fuel consumption.