Skoda-Volkswagen cars to get new 8-speed AT gearbox soon – Details

A recent report claims that Skoda-Volkswagen group is exploring an advanced 8-speed automatic gearbox (AQ300) by 2026 for the Indian market. This new transmission is set to replace the current 6-speed automatic gearbox (AQ250) offered with the 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine in the popular Skoda-Volkswagen India 2.0 cars lineup, which includes the Kushaq, Slavia, Taigun, and Virtus models.

Both the existing 6-speed automatic gearbox and the upcoming 8-speed automatic unit are sourced from Aisin, a renowned Japanese automotive supplier specialising in developing and manufacturing vehicle components and systems.

Keep reading to dive deeper into the plans for Skoda-Volkswagen cars and gain more insight into what’s on the horizon for these models.

Skoda-Volkswagen 8-Speed automatic transmission by 2026

The Skoda 8-speed automatic gearbox is expected to be introduced after the mid-cycle updates planned for 2025. This new transmission unit is likely to arrive about six to eight months following these updates. However, the exact timeline for when the new 8-speed automatic transmission will be integrated into the Skoda-Volkswagen India 2.0 cars like the Kushaq, Slavia, Taigun, and Virtus is expected to be by 2026. It’s unlikely that this gearbox will arrive in time to be included in their upcoming facelifts.

Plans to bring 8-Speed AT Gearbox production closer to home

The plan to localise the 8-speed automatic gearbox is still under consideration, though there are some challenges to overcome. There's also a tentative plan to localise the production of this upcoming unit, but issues like low production volumes could threaten its scalability. To address this, carmakers need to focus on overcoming these obstacles.

There's also a possibility that carmakers could become suppliers for this gearbox. If major automotive players like Maruti-Suzuki and MG Motor adopt the new AQ300 unit, it could lead to greater production. However, scaling up production is key to achieving this.

According to Petr Janeba, Brand Director at Skoda India, once the scale for the next-generation gearbox is achieved, the company plans to invite other automakers to join the effort and produce it in India for the Indian customer.

While India is being considered as a potential base for the production of this next-generation gearbox, Aisin, the gearbox supplier, is also looking to expand manufacturing to other regions like Brazil. This strategy aims to boost production capacity and achieve a more significant scale for global operations.

Unlike the 6-speed unit, the upcoming 8-speed automatic gearbox offers improved fuel efficiency and helps lower CO2 emissions. Its closer-ratio steps between gears ensure reduced fuel wastage, enhancing overall performance.

This next-generation gearbox isn’t just about speed and improved driving dynamics. It plays a crucial role in supporting Skoda-VW's efforts to meet the upcoming CAFÉ III norms in India.

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