Previously, hybrid transmission production was handled by a supplier in Japan. By bringing the development work in-house, Ford reduced development costs by 20 percent.

Ford has announced the debut of a new flexible assembly line at the Van Dyke Transmission Plant, which will produce Ford’s new HF35 hybrid transmission. Ford and suppliers are investing $220 million in the Van Dyke plant and will add 225 new jobs there by the end of the month.

“Our investments in Van Dyke Transmission make it our most advanced, efficient transmission plant in the world,” said Ford VP Jim Tetreault. “This demonstrates our commitment to bringing jobs and technology back into Ford and North America – actions that not only benefit our employees but our customers and the communities where we do business.”

The HF35 transmission, which incorporates two electric motors, is the first hybrid transmission to be designed and built by Ford. Previously, hybrid transmission production was handled by a supplier in Japan. By bringing the development work in-house, Ford reduced development costs by 20 percent.

Ford’s HF35 is billed as the industry’s highest-performing, smoothest-operating hybrid transmission. Innovations include electric motors capable of operating at higher speeds, a new cooling system that enables higher speeds in electric drive, optimized gear ratios and reduced weight for improved fuel economy, and more precise controls to deliver higher levels of refinement as the powertrain transitions between engine and electric drive.

The HF35 will be used in five electrified vehicles being introduced this year: the C-MAX Hybrid, C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

Source: Ford