Auto rivals Ford and General Motors are putting their differences aside to collaborate on a development project focused on nine and 10-speed transmissions, the two automakers announced today.
The two Detroit-based auto giants signed an agreement to work on a new generation of transmissions---a surprising duo considering they share one of the most heated rivals in the car industry.
But both Ford and GM hope that the innovative transmissions will bring more fuel efficiency and other advancements to each of their vehicle lineups.
"We expect these new transmissions to raise the standard of technology, performance and quality for our customers while helping drive fuel economy improvements into both company's future product portfolios," said Jim Lanzon, GM vice president of global transmission engineering.
And this is not the first time the two automakers collaborated on a transmission initiative.
This joint venture marks the third time in the past 10 years that Ford and GM are teaming up for something like this. And thanks to their collaboration efforts, more than 8 million six-speed transmissions are out on the road, according to both automakers.
But the question of why Ford and GM decided to work together on this project remains unknown.
And it is no secret that the promise of more advanced transmissions is running rampant throughout the auto industry.
Detroit-based Chrysler announced that they are also working on the development of a nine-speed transmission.
Both statements from Ford and GM said that they have already begun groundwork for their transmission endeavor.