FAW-VW hit by double-clutch transmission shortage

Shanghai, March 31, 2008 (Gasgoo.com) FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Company, the joint venture between China’s First Automobile Works (FAW) Group and Volkswagen (VW), cannot raise the output of 1.8T Magotans with six-speed dual clutch automated-manual transmissions due to limited supply of these dual-clutch transmissions, which is restricting sales of its Magotan range, reported SinoCast China Business Daily News recently.

The automaker, which fits the transmission to the 1.8T variants of the model, has been receiving the components from the Japanese-based Aisin AW Company, but demand has exceeded supply. According to dealers, the model with this transmission accounts for around 75% of Magotan sales.

The Magotan continues to be hit by shortages of this transmission, with a similar report having surfaced late last year, but problems with the components’ quality had been the issue then. The Magotan has also suffered from lower-than-expected sales as it appears that the government officials at whom the vehicle was aimed have not taken to it in as great a number as expected.

The JV will be hoping that the supply restrictions are eased later on this year, while it will also hope that an additional engine variant will spark further interest in the market.