Mercedes seeks partner to develop 8-speed dual-clutch transmission

Mercedes is looking to outsource the production of its transmissions for the next-gen A, B and C-class models, as well as the development of a dual-clutch 8-speed transmission. Mercedes is hoping its 8-speed manumatic will give it the edge over the fully-automatic 8-speed transmissions offered by Lexus and BMW (scheduled to launch in 2009).

Although Mercedes has yet to choose a supplier, it is expected to produced by Getrag or ZF. The decision is said to be backed by CEO Dieter Zetsche, who considers the development of new transmissions as non-core to Mercedes.