Who makes transmissions for Ford?
The quick answer is that Ford uses a hybrid approach: some transmissions are built in-house at Ford facilities, while others are supplied by external partners, with Getrag Ford Transmissions (GFT) playing a central role in Ford’s dual-clutch and automatic families. The exact mix varies by model and region.
Ford’s transmission strategy relies on a global network that blends internal development with select outside partners. This allows Ford to deploy different architectures—manual, automatic, dual-clutch, and CVT—across its wide lineup, from trucks to compact cars, while adapting to regional regulatory and market needs.
The cornerstone external partner: Getrag Ford Transmissions
The major external collaboration for Ford is Getrag Ford Transmissions (GFT), a 50/50 joint venture between Ford and Getrag. Formed to design and manufacture automated manual and dual-clutch transmissions for Ford, GFT has produced the PowerShift family and related units used in Ford models across Europe and other regions.
- PowerShift dual-clutch transmissions (the 6DCT family) developed for Ford’s compact and mid-size cars.
- Variants of the 6F (6-speed) automatic transmissions used in various regional models.
- A global production footprint tied to Getrag Ford Transmissions facilities in Europe and abroad.
Through this JV, Ford gains access to advanced dual-clutch technology and scalable manufacturing capacity, while maintaining overall control of product direction and integration with vehicle platforms.
Other suppliers and regional variations
Beyond GFT, Ford has sourced transmissions from other major suppliers to support specific markets and models. The exact mix can shift with product cycles, trade considerations, and regional requirements.
- ZF Friedrichshafen AG has supplied automatic transmissions to certain Ford programs for select markets and models.
- Jatco Co. Ltd. has provided CVT-type units for some Ford models in various regions.
- Occasional partnerships with additional suppliers exist to address model- or region-specific needs, alongside Ford’s own development efforts.
The presence of multiple suppliers helps Ford tailor transmissions to regional regulatory standards, market demands, and competitive positioning, while enabling scale for global platforms.
In-house production and Ford’s own transmission units
Ford also designs and builds a portion of its transmissions in-house, leveraging its own manufacturing footprint to maintain control over core performance characteristics and integration with powertrains. A notable example is the current generation of Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmissions, which are produced by Ford for many of its trucks and SUVs, alongside other automatic units developed for various models.
- The 10-speed automatic family (10R80) is a key in-house development used across modern Ford trucks and SUVs, with production aligned to North American and global markets.
- Earlier and regional automatic transmissions are produced within Ford’s own facilities or joint ventures under Ford oversight.
- As Ford continues electrification, in-house transmission development evolves to support hybrid and electrified powertrains alongside external partnerships.
In-house production provides Ford with tighter integration with vehicle programs and the ability to tune transmissions to Ford’s performance, efficiency, and durability targets, while external suppliers furnish specialized capabilities and regional scalability.
Regional and product-specific nuances
The exact balance between in-house and supplier transmissions varies by region and model. In Europe, Getrag Ford Transmissions has historically played a larger role for PowerShift units in smaller and mid-size cars, while North American programs have leaned more on Ford’s internal manufacturing for several automatic transmissions used in trucks and larger SUVs.
Overall, Ford’s transmission ecosystem is a diversified mix designed to optimize efficiency, performance, and supply resilience across global markets as the company expands its electrification and global product strategy.
Summary
Ford relies on a mixed model for transmissions: it manufactures some units in-house (notably its current 10-speed automatic) and partners with external suppliers such as Getrag Ford Transmissions for dual-clutch and automated- manual transmissions, with additional suppliers like ZF and Jatco supporting specific markets and models. This diversified approach lets Ford tailor transmissions to regional needs while leveraging specialized expertise and scalable production capacity.
In short, Ford’s transmission ecosystem is built on internal engineering and a portfolio of strategic partnerships, designed to deliver the right technology for every market and to support the company’s broader powertrain and electrification strategy.
Who makes Ford transmissions?
Each company manufactures its own unique version of the transmissions in its own factories. The 10-speed transmission was designed by Ford, while the 9-speed transmission was designed by GM.
Do Ford and GM share the same transmission?
Yes, it's the same transmission (almost)
These are important components: All other things being equal, 9- and 10-speed transmissions should give better fuel economy and performance than the 6- and 8-speed transmissions they will replace.
Where are Ford transmissions made?
Sharonville Transmission is a Ford Motor Company transmission factory in Sharonville, Ohio established in 1958. Sharonville's heavy transmission product is the 10R140 transmission used in Super Duty pickups.
Is the Allison 10-speed made by Ford?
Feet of torque or that might be Newton meters. I can't remember but basically this is the transmission that replaced the six-speed. In the F2. F350s. In the year. 2020. You can find the 10R140.
