Who makes Hondas 10-speed transmission?
The 10-speed automatic transmission used by Honda is built by ZF Friedrichshafen AG in collaboration with Honda.
Honda began developing a higher-numbered automatic transmission in the mid-2010s to improve efficiency and performance, partnering with ZF to create what became known as the 10-speed automatic (10AT). The arrangement centers on Honda’s integration and calibration of the transmission for its vehicle lineup, paired with ZF’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
Overview of the 10-speed transmission
The 10-speed automatic (often referred to as the 10AT) is a product of a collaborative development effort between Honda Motor Co. and ZF Friedrichshafen AG. It is designed to offer smoother gear changes and improved fuel economy compared with earlier multi-speed automatics, while still meeting Honda’s performance and reliability standards.
Who makes it?
The following identifies the key players and their roles in the development and supply of Honda's 10-speed transmission.
- ZF Friedrichshafen AG — primary supplier and co-developer of the 10-speed automatic transmission used by Honda, handling manufacturing and supply.
- Honda Motor Co. — co-developer and end user, integrating the transmission into its vehicles with calibration, control software, and vehicle integration.
Together, the collaboration between Honda and ZF combines Honda’s expertise in vehicle dynamics with ZF’s transmission engineering, delivering a 10AT that is used across multiple Honda and Acura models since its introduction.
Development timeline and production
Development timeline
The 10AT project began in the mid-2010s as part of Honda’s strategy to improve efficiency and performance. Announcement and technical details highlighted the joint nature of the effort with ZF, focusing on a compact design and efficient gear ratios to optimize highway and city driving.
Production and supply specifics
ZF is the primary manufacturer of the 10AT units supplied to Honda, with Honda handling the integration, calibration, and software tuning within its vehicles. This arrangement means the transmission hardware comes from ZF, while Honda engineers tailor transmission control, shift logic, and overall integration for each model line.
Where is it used?
The 10-speed transmission has been deployed across multiple Honda and Acura models since its introduction, replacing older automatic architectures to deliver smoother shifts and better fuel economy. Availability varies by model year and trim, so individual vehicle specifications should be consulted for exact configurations.
Summary
Honda’s 10-speed automatic transmission results from a close collaboration with ZF Friedrichshafen AG. ZF supplies the transmission hardware, while Honda provides integration, calibration, and vehicle-specific tuning, enabling improved efficiency and performance across the brand’s lineup since its rollout in the late 2010s.
