While cars equipped with manual transmissions gradually become outdated, many car manufacturer still integrate the feature allowing drivers to shift their own gears. How it can be implemented in automatic cars? The answer is simple – easy-to-use and efficient paddle shifters.

Despite the fact that higher echelons of BMW management previously assured admirers of BMW equipped with stick shifters that the upcoming BMW M3 will come with a manual transmission option, but until recently this promise hasn’t been backed with any substantial evidence. Fortunately, the physical proof has been detected in the city streets.

Recently the German automaker VW has issued a recall of the Jetta Hybrid, the only hybrid model included by VW for the US market, for a transmission issue. This model comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (also known as DSG).

The Ferrari 250 GTO is considered to be one of the most remarkable and rare cars ever produced, and undoubtedly has its rightful place in the list of top-requested cars. As there are only 39 original examples of this model, it is always a breaking news, when any of them changes hands. The recent newspaper headlines related to this elegant Ferrari model say about a scandalous deal that ended in court action.

Currently, Ford is facing several legal actions related to the Powershift (DPS6) transmission issues. This ill-reputed transmission found application in Fiesta and Focus models. In the latest Powershift-related judicial case, a couple, who pulled out of the class-action lawsuit, filed a lawsuit against Ford in connection with the problematic gearbox installed in their 2014 Focus car.

Subaru has issued a second recall in two days, this time the compulsory measure is caused by a possible transmission malfunction in the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Earlier, the automaker announced a recall of several other models because of a faulty PCV valve leading to the engine failure.

Recently, it has transpired that the Mercedes-Benz plant in Untertürkheim will focus on manufacturing of e-powertrains (eATS) components. The eATS design includes 3 main components: the e-motor, its power electronics, and gearbox.

BorgWarner plans to present its sophisticated technical solutions intended for hybrid and electric vehicles at the EV Japan 2020 trade show, held early next year in Tokyo. Visitors of the BW’s booth will have a chance to see a full range of e-mobility solutions, including e-motors, battery and transmission units, power electronics, eTurbo technology and temperature control solutions.

While most racing series have already been integrating sequential or DCT transmissions for quite a while, NASCAR has remained committed to its standard 4-speed manual H-pattern transmission. But recently, automotive news media have reported that the next-gen NASCAR Cup Series car that is presently under development comes with a six-speed transmission instead of a standard 4-speed unit.

Due to some issues with the transmission wiring harness on specific M models, BMW has come up with a decision to suspend the sale of affected models and to initiate their recall. The German car manufacturer has already informed the NHTSA on the situation, but the organization hasn’t made any official statements.

Transtar Industries, a major supplier of aftermarket transmission components, has recently reported about the assets acquisition of Dean Transmission Parts. The details of this deal, which entered into force earlier this month, have not been unveiled so far. Dean will keep on working at its primary location under Transtar’s brand name.

Honda has intensified the implementation of its electrification plans for Europe by bringing forward the date when all of its European main models will come with e-powertrains – to 2022. Announced during one of the industry events in the Netherlands, the new deadline is 3 years ahead of the previously specified 2025.

Lucas Oil Products Inc., a major producer and supplier of automotive lubricating solutions, has recently presented its new FL-0 Low Viscosity Synthetic Racing Oil and Semi-Synthetic Type F ATF during the PRI 2019 Show.

NSK, the Japanese manufacturer of bearings, has recently presented its latest LCube II series of conical roll bearings intended for transmission units installed in electric vehicles. These bearings are purposely built to enhance efficiency by facilitating to decrease in power demand and better reliability thanks to increased robustness and wedging resistance.

Eaton has announced that the company plans to stop production of its Procision dual-clutch automated transmission. Eaton representatives did not provide any significant details, just noting that the transmission would be produced only until the end of this year, adding that all customers had been informed about this decision in advance.