Photo: Skoda
As far as automatic gearboxes for small cars are concerned, Volkswagen Group's DQ200 is quite an important but controversial unit. Equipped by a variety of different models since first developed, the twin-clutch DSG unit has just celebrated an important milestone in its existence. Skoda's Vrchlabi factory in the Czech republic has just announced that it has surpassed the 500,000th made unit since October 2012.
This seven-speed DSG gearbox was unveiled in 2008 and was designed for use in smaller turbocharged engines that have low torque, up to 250 Nm. It differs from the six-speed DSG, in that it uses two single-plate dry clutches, making the system compact and relatively light at 70 kg (150 lbs).
Skoda Vrchlabi makes the gearbox unit not only for itself, but also for Volkswagen, SEAT and Audi models that range from the Polo to the new A3 premium car range. Around 1,000 employees currently manufacture 1,500 DSG transmissions daily in the Skoda plant. Production takes place five days a week, around the clock in three-shift operation.
As some of you might be aware, Volkswagen Group was faced with a massive global recall and media scandal last year due to the DQ200 DSG unit. Affected models suffered from frequent loss of power and metallic grinding noises in the first gears, especially when traveling over rougher surfaces. The problem was traced back to the potential for electrolysis to happen in the gearbox mechatronics control unit. Under the VW brand alone, the recall affected across Golf, Jetta, Polo, Passat and Caddy model range, with further models from the other brands we mentioned above.
However, at a time when most smaller cars come with either 4-speed auto or CVT gearboxes, the seven-speed direct shift DQ 200 transmission remains one of the most innovative automatic transmissions in the automobile industry.
“The figure of half a million manufactured DSG transmissions underlines the performance of the Vrchlabi plant and its employees and marks another milestone for Skoda's powertrain production in the Czech Republic,” says Ivan Slimak, plant manager of DQ 200 transmission production in Vrchlabi. “Skoda has developed the plant into a new high-tech location for the company. The production facility is a cornerstone of ŠKODA’s strategy for growth.”
Skoda Vrchlabi makes the gearbox unit not only for itself, but also for Volkswagen, SEAT and Audi models that range from the Polo to the new A3 premium car range. Around 1,000 employees currently manufacture 1,500 DSG transmissions daily in the Skoda plant. Production takes place five days a week, around the clock in three-shift operation.
As some of you might be aware, Volkswagen Group was faced with a massive global recall and media scandal last year due to the DQ200 DSG unit. Affected models suffered from frequent loss of power and metallic grinding noises in the first gears, especially when traveling over rougher surfaces. The problem was traced back to the potential for electrolysis to happen in the gearbox mechatronics control unit. Under the VW brand alone, the recall affected across Golf, Jetta, Polo, Passat and Caddy model range, with further models from the other brands we mentioned above.
However, at a time when most smaller cars come with either 4-speed auto or CVT gearboxes, the seven-speed direct shift DQ 200 transmission remains one of the most innovative automatic transmissions in the automobile industry.
“The figure of half a million manufactured DSG transmissions underlines the performance of the Vrchlabi plant and its employees and marks another milestone for Skoda's powertrain production in the Czech Republic,” says Ivan Slimak, plant manager of DQ 200 transmission production in Vrchlabi. “Skoda has developed the plant into a new high-tech location for the company. The production facility is a cornerstone of ŠKODA’s strategy for growth.”
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