To meet an increase in demand for automatic gearboxes, Groupe PSA (www.groupe-psa.com) has entered into a licensing agreement with Aisin AW in order to produce the EAT6 gearbox in France.

Until now, this gearbox was manufactured by Aisin and imported from Japan. Groupe PSA has invested in new machining and assembly facilities at its Valenciennes production plant to produce these six-speed automatic gearboxes for its Peugeot, Citroën and DS range of ‘flagship’ models, as well as the Opel and Vauxhall models produced on the group’s platforms.

The investment made in Valenciennes is part of PSA’s strategy of doubling the sales volume of models equipped with automatic gearboxes.

Yannick Bézard, executive vice-president (purchasing) for Groupe PSA, said: “After 15 years of perfect partnership in the development and supply of automatic transmissions, this licensed production agreement in France contributes to strengthen the strategic relationship between Aisin AW and Groupe PSA.”