Peugeot engineering chief Laurent Blanchet has revealed PSA will drop unpopular automated manual gearboxes from its car range. The firm will replace the aging transmissions with a range of new, six-speed, high efficiency automatics.
Speaking at the Paris motor show, Blanchet said the current gearboxes will still be offered for the next two to three years. The new gearboxes are likely to be supplied by PSA's preferred transmission partner, Aisin.
The next-generation Peugeot 308 will be the first model to feature the new gearbox.
The old 'nodding dog' automated manuals were so unpopular with engineers, says Blanchet, that some lobbied to launch new cars with manual gearboxes only.
Blanchet believes the new high efficiency autos will concede very little fuel consumption to normal manuals.
