Does Honda use ZF transmissions?
Honda does use ZF transmissions in some models, but not across its entire lineup.
The exact reliance on ZF depends on the model, year, and market. This article examines how Honda sources automatic transmissions, where ZF has appeared, and what it means for customers.
Scope of ZF involvement
Below are the key points about ZF's involvement in Honda's transmissions in recent years.
- In some markets, ZF-supplied multi-speed automatic transmissions have been used in Honda and Acura models, according to industry reporting. The details vary by model and generation.
- These ZF units have not been adopted across the entire Honda lineup; many models rely on Honda's own designs or other suppliers for automatics and CVTs.
Overall, ZF's role has been limited to select models and markets rather than a universal solution for Honda's transmissions.
Other transmission sourcing for Honda
Beyond ZF, Honda relies on a mix of in-house development and other suppliers for its transmissions. The exact configuration varies by model and region.
- Honda's broader transmission strategy includes Earth Dreams automatic/CVT technologies developed or coordinated with partner firms, with multiple generations deployed across the lineup.
- Other external suppliers are used where appropriate to complement Honda's engineering, depending on market and model requirements.
In short, Honda's transmission strategy blends in-house engineering with a mix of external suppliers, including but not limited to ZF, depending on the vehicle and market.
Current status and future outlook
Honda continues to evolve its drivetrain strategy in response to efficiency goals, electrification, and supply dynamics. While ZF is part of the supplier ecosystem for certain models, Honda remains committed to a diversified approach, with ongoing development of in-house transmissions and partnerships that vary by region and model year.
Regional variations
Supply arrangements differ by region. In North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, the mix of ZF, Honda, Aisin, and other suppliers can differ substantially based on regulatory requirements and product cadence.
What buyers should check
If you're shopping for a Honda and want to know the exact transmission supplier, check the model-year brochure, owner's manual, or the vehicle's window sticker for the transmission specification.
Summary
Honda uses ZF transmissions in some models, but not across its entire lineup. The company relies on a diversified supply chain that includes in-house engineering and other external suppliers, with the exact configuration varying by model, year, and market. For consumers, the bottom line is to verify the specific vehicle's transmission type and supplier when considering a Honda model.
Which brands use ZF transmissions?
Many high-performance and luxury automakers use ZF transmissions, including BMW, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Land Rover, and Jaguar. Stellantis brands like Dodge, Ram, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo also use ZF transmissions, as do brands such as Bentley, Maserati, and Toyota.
European manufacturers
- BMW: Widely uses ZF transmissions in models across its lineup.
- Aston Martin: Utilizes them in various sports cars.
- Rolls-Royce: Employs ZF transmissions in its luxury vehicles.
- Jaguar: Uses ZF transmissions in many of its models.
- Land Rover: Fits them in models like the Range Rover and Defender.
- Bentley: Uses ZF transmissions in certain models.
- Maserati: Incorporates ZF transmissions.
- Morgan: Uses them in some of their cars.
- Porsche: Has used ZF transmissions in models like the 911.
American manufacturers
- Stellantis brands:
- Ram: Uses them in models like the 1500 and 1500 TRX.
- Dodge: Uses them in models like the Challenger, which is also sold as the Torqueflite 8.
- Jeep: Uses them in models like the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
- Ford:
- Ford F-150: Has used them in certain models.
- Ford Super Duty: Has used them in certain models.
Asian manufacturers
- Toyota: Has used ZF transmissions in models like the Supra.
What transmission does Honda use?
Honda uses both traditional automatic transmissions and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) in its vehicles, with many models offering either a traditional automatic or a CVT option. The specific type of transmission depends on the model, trim level, and year.
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): A large number of Honda models are equipped with CVTs, which have an infinite number of gears to provide smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency. Some Honda hybrid vehicles use an electric CVT.
- Traditional Automatic Transmission: Some models still come with or offer a conventional automatic transmission with a fixed number of gears.
- Manual Transmission: A manual transmission is also an option on certain Honda models.
Who manufactures Honda transmissions?
Honda makes most of its transmissions through its subsidiaries, Honda Transmission Manufacturing of America in Ohio and the Georgia Transmission Plant. These facilities produce a variety of automatic and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) for the North American market. The only notable exception is when Honda sourced a ZF 9HP nine-speed transmission for some Acura and Honda models between 2014 and 2015.
- Honda Transmission Mfg. of America, Inc.: Located in Russells Point, Ohio, this plant produces a wide range of automatic transmissions and other related components for vehicles built in North America.
- Georgia Transmission Plant: Situated in Georgia, this facility manufactures automatic transmissions for models like the Honda Odyssey and Acura MDX, and is the global leader for the 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Other exceptions: Occasionally, Honda has used transmissions made by other companies, with the most notable example being the ZF 9HP nine-speed transmission used in some Acura TLX, MDX, Odyssey, Pilot, and Ridgeline models around 2014-2015.
Does Honda use ZF transmission?
Transmission is actually not specific just to Honda uh it's used by Honda Acura uh Fiat uses it Chrysler uses it uh Land Rover uses it and I think even Nissan uses it uh in one of their SUVs.
