Tencent Auto: Geely enters Technology Era

Source:Globaltimes.cn Published: 2012-12-21 14:10:53

Geely has started a test driving program for models with 6-speed manumatic transmissions in Shenzhen since December and launched four new models, the Gleagle GX7/GC7, Emgrand EC8 and Englon SC7. These models carrying the transmissions made domestically show Geely's progress in the development of major components and parts as well as its upgraded technology system, and they stand as a proof that homegrown brands have mastered the core technology to produce world-leading transmissions, which will speed up the application of 6-speed automatic transmissions (6ATs) for models created by homegrown brands.

As one of the leading China-based auto brands, Geely has invested remarkable resources for independent development and innovation. The auto safe technology, Blowout Monitoring and Brake System (BMBS) and automatic alarm system, efficient and energy-saving engines, 6-speed manumatic transmissions provided by Geely's Australian subsidiary DSI and other advanced technologies have transformed Geely from the former low-end imitator to the new Technology Geely and Quality Geely.

Technology bottleneck restricting development of homegrown brands

China's auto market is in a boom, but major components and parts produced by homegrown car brands lag behind joint ventures, especially those related to engines and transmissions, which has become the bottleneck restricting the development of China-based brands.

In recent years, many joint ventures have started to produce advanced engines and transmissions in China and applied them to models created by their local brands. However, the factories are basically foreign funded and their core technologies are beyond the reach of Chinese. For homegrown brands and many joint venture brands, they need to import those advanced engines and automatic transmissions from abroad.

It's estimated that China imports transmissions worth of 100 billion yuan every year, and the number is still climbing by 20 percent each year. That could be as high as 150 billion till 2015 given the increasing equipping rate of automatic transmissions in domestically-made models.

Among domestically-made automatic passenger cars, about 80 percent are carrying imported automatic transmissions and the other 20 percent carrying transmissions from joint ventures in which foreign capital takes the control. The transmissions are mainly 4-speed or 5-speed.

Due to patent and techniques blockade, self-owned brands can only develop 4ATs or 5ATs with open patents and poor fuel economy. As for the development of core components and parts related to automatic transmissions, they lag behind joint ventures.

Now, more efficient and comfortable 6-speed manumatic transmissions and Dual Clutch Transmissions (DCT) have been widely used in some models from joint ventures. If homegrown brands are to improve their competitiveness, they must break the monopoly and make breakthroughs in the development of advanced powertrain.

Geely develops advanced engine series

After years of efforts, Geely has developed GETEC engine series with independent intellectual property rights.

GETEC series include six engine platforms. Over 10 models have been developed and the displacement covers from 1.0L to 3.5L. GETEC series benefit from the technologies of CVVT and DCVVT, and show Geely's breakthrough in light-weight and material recoverability rate. The models are excellent at fuel economy and also meet the requirements of European V emission standards.

GETEC series are all aluminum, which makes them lighter. The double-shaft balance system, chain transmission VVT, plastic intake-manifold and water jacket spacer forced freezing technology make it possible for the engines to work smoothly and efficiently and eventually to extend their service life. GETEC engines use components and parts from first-class suppliers like Delphi and Parker to ensure its world-leading quality.

The Gleagle GX7/GC7, Emgrand EC8 and Englon SC7 carrying DSI 6ATs are equipped with 1.8L, 2.0L and 2.4L GETEC engines respectively.

Acquire DSI to master leading technology

Geely had made breakthroughs in development of transmission by acquisition.

On March 27, 2009, Geely acquired the world's second largest automatic transmission company, Drivetrain Systems International (DSI) in Australia. In this way, Geely has broken the monopoly of foreign companies in regards to 6AT.

As the world's second largest automatic transmission producer, DSI has strong technical support and supplied transmissions to Ford, Chrysler and other well-known car makers. The 6-speed automatic transmissions (6ATs) have mature technology and its reliability is further guaranteed by DSI's experience in technology, manufacturing engineering and supporting system.

After three years of efforts in technology localization and matching, Geely currently has planned to establish plants in Xiangtan, Jining and Chongqing to start mass production of DSI automatic transmissions. Geely has also successfully matched DSI 6AT with the Gleagle GX7/GC7, Emgrand EC8, Englon SC7 and other models. It enriches Geely's product lines and strengthens its capability of technology development and production, as well as breaking the monopoly of foreign companies in high-end automatic transmission production.

Geely will equip each sub-brand model with 6AT to meet customers' increasing demands from 2013.

Geely's strategic target of Quality Geely and Technology Geely has been partially realized, which improves its product power and competitiveness as well as boosting the sales. According to latest statistics, its sales volume has exceeded the industry average, reaching 4,238,000 units (export included) for the first 11 months of the year, up 13 percent over year-ago.



Posted in: Press Release

blog comments powered by Disqus