Stellantis Makes $229 Million Investment In Kokomo, For PHEV & mHEV Transmissions!

Stellantis announced earlier this week, that it would invest a total of $229 million in three of its Kokomo, Indiana, plants to help the company reach its goal of achieving 40% low-emission vehicle sales in the U.S. by 2030. This announcement, which will retain 662 jobs, comes three months after the company laid out its long-term electrification strategy, where it committed to investing $35 billion through 2025 in electrification and software.

Stellantis Head of Powertrain Operations, Brad Clark made the announcement during an event at the Kokomo Transmission Plant attended by Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb, Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore, and United Auto Workers (UAW) Region 2B Director Wayne Blanchard, along with other elected officials and community leaders.

The investment will support the retooling of the Kokomo Transmission (KTP), Kokomo Casting and Indiana Transmission plants to produce the fourth-generation 8-speed transmission. This new transmission will have the flexibility to be paired with internal combustion engines, as well as mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid propulsion systems, for vehicles across the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, brands. It will deliver improved fuel economy, provide pure-electric range and help vehicles meet future emission regulations.

“This investment and this transmission represent an important stepping stone in getting us to 2030 and further expanding our battery-electric offerings,” said Clark. “This new 8-speed is the “multi-tool” of transmissions. It is a versatile transmission that can be adapted for a variety of applications, allowing us the flexibility to adjust our production as consumer demand for electrified vehicles grows over the next decade. It also offers consumers the opportunity to get familiar with this technology and explore all of the benefits that can come from electrification.”

The new, fourth-generation 8-speed transmission will capitalize on a number of common parts within the different versions – transmission gear train/clutch, mechatronics, mechanical pump, and E-pump motor. It also will have the flexibility for unique parts to adapt to the various electrification options. These parts include the eMotor, torque converter, and power electronics. 

Adding electrified transmission assembly also diversifies the product portfolio of the Kokomo operations. In March 2020, Stellantis announced it would invest $400 million to convert Indiana Transmission Plant II to the Kokomo Engine Plant to produce the GME-T4 engine, the company’s 2.0-liter Global Medium Engine inline four-cylinder turbo. Production is expected to launch later this year.

This investment also leverages the core manufacturing competencies of the Kokomo operations and the local workforce in the areas of casting, machining, and assembly, all of which will be needed as the market transitions to an electrified future.

“As our industry continues to change, our focus must continue to be on our most valuable asset – our people,” said Clark. “This transmission program will bring new opportunities for our current workforce, as well as the manufacturing workforce of the future.”

The second-generation eight-speed transmission has been a workhorse of the company’s powertrains since production began in 2012. KTP recently celebrated the 5 millionth 8-speed transmission built on September 30th. It is the current transmission option on the Jeep Wrangler (JL), Gladiator (JT), Grand Cherokee (WL), Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer (WS), Ram 1500 (DT), Ram 1500 Classic (DS), Dodge Charger (LD), Challenger (LA), Durango (WD), and Chrysler 300 (LX) models.

Source: Stellantis