As the first six-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars, ZF’s 6HP — manufactured in Saarbrücken — caused a stir when it was launched in 2001, and it quickly became a million-fold best seller that was available in many versions.

Following in the tradition of the 6HP, the second generation of the eight-speed automatic transmission by ZF (8HP) is now setting new standards in efficiency and shifting performance.

Compared with the previous five-speed transmission, the 6HP was 13% lighter, up to 7% more economical, and offered significantly reduced noise levels — plus considerably better acceleration.

The transmission started rolling off the assembly line in April 2001 — after a development time of only four years.

The first of these transmissions premiered at the International Motor Show installed in a BMW 7 Series saloon; the last 6HP left the plant last month, destined for use in a Jaguar.

During the 13-year production run, ZF produced 7,050,232 6HP units. At peak periods, the company produced up to 4,500 units over three shifts, with an annual production record of more than 1 million.

The 6HP and 8HP have almost identical dimensions, and BMW was again the first customer to order the eight-speed automatic transmission, which has been produced in Saarbrücken since 2008 and in Gray Court, South Carolina, since 2013. ZF currently produces about 8,800 units per day for automotive manufacturers world-wide.

The company is not saying a final ‘goodbye’ to the 6HP; its transmission plant in Shanghai will continue to produce it for the Chinese market.