Automatic transmission technology in the automotive industry is advancing swiftly, emphasizing improved driving comfort, fuel efficiency, and performance. In India, the rising demand for vehicles with automatic transmissions is fueled by shifting consumer preferences and technological progress. The volume of the automatic transmission market is projected to increase steadily over the next decade, reaching 709.8 thousand units in India by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.3% over 2024-29, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest report, “Sector Innovation Report: Transmission and Clutch Technologies – Q3 2024” reveals that in 2024, the volume of automotive doors is estimated to be around 665.5 thousand units in India, showing a consistent growth trend from the previous years.
Gorantala Sravan Kumar, Associate Project Manager – Automotive at GlobalData, comments: “One of the key drivers of innovation in automatic transmission technology in India is the increasing traffic congestion in urban areas. With more vehicles on the road and longer commute times, automatic transmission systems offer a convenient and stress-free driving experience, especially in stop-and-go traffic conditions. Additionally, the rising awareness of environmental sustainability has led automakers to focus on developing more fuel-efficient automatic transmission systems that reduce emissions and improve overall vehicle efficiency.”
In recent years, several automotive companies in India have filed patents for innovative automatic transmission technologies, showcasing their commitment to driving advancements in this space. As per the GlobalData TechForesights tool, some key patents awarded in the automatic transmission area in India include adaptive shift control system for automatic transmission; dual-clutch transmission with integrated electric motor; and predictive gear shift control system for continuously variable transmission (CVT) transmission.
The patent for an adaptive shift control system uses artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to optimize gear shifts based on driving conditions and driver behavior. By leveraging AI technology, this innovative system provides a seamless and responsive driving experience, enhancing both comfort and efficiency. The dual-clutch transmission with integrated electric motor patent highlights the trend towards hybridization and electrification in automatic transmission systems, aligning with the global shift towards sustainable mobility.
Predictive gear shift control system for continuously variable transmission (CVT) transmission is the third significant patent awarded in the automatic transmission area in India. This system utilizes real-time data from sensors and GPS technology to anticipate upcoming road conditions and traffic patterns, enabling proactive gear shifts for optimal performance and efficiency.
Sravan Kumar concludes: “These patents exemplify the ongoing efforts of automotive companies in India to push the boundaries of automatic transmission technology and deliver innovative solutions to enhance driving experience, fuel efficiency, and sustainability. As automakers continue to invest in research and development (R&D), there is an anticipation for more groundbreaking technologies and patents in the automatic transmission space, shaping the future of mobility in India.”
