Ford Motor Company plans to increase production of its fuel-efficient cars to more than double the number – to 1.4 million, equipped with fuel-efficient, 6-speed automatic transmissions in its North American cars and trucks by the end of 2009.

The American car maker claims that by the end of 2012,  over 98 per cent cars in Ford North American will be equipped with advanced 6-speed gearbox transmissions, maintaining the automaker's position as a leader of high-performance, fuel-efficient power trains.

Ford's newest 6-speed is the 6F35, to be introduced in the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner sport-utility crossover vehicles, replaces the current 4-speed. It also will be used in the 2009 Mazda Tribute, as well as two other vehicles early next year. The 2009 models of the Escape and Mariner  powered by  powerful engines, and the  new 6F35, will increase the fuel economy by 1 mpg, said Ford

The advanced transmissions provide customers 4 to 6 per cent improved fuel economy compared with typical 4- and 5-speed gearboxes, as well as better acceleration and a quieter and more refined driving experience. Key to the new 6-speed transmissions is increased gear span compared with 4- and 5-speeds, which allows vehicle power trains to operate at a more optimum level, depending on the particular driving situation.

In addition, with two more gears, a 6-speed transmission allows the engine to operate at its optimum efficiency, for a greater period of time, further boosting fuel economy, according to the company

''Advanced six-speed automatic transmissions are an important element in our sustainability strategy to improve fuel economy for our customers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent in our new vehicles by 2020,'' said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Ford North America Powertrain Operations.

''They also deliver improved acceleration and smoother shifting, all at a great value for consumers,'' he added.

Ford 6-speed gear ratios also play a key role in the company's new PowerShift dual-clutch transmission. Currently used in the new European Ford Focus and Ford C-Max, PowerShift combines the ease and permanent motion of a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission with the performance of a manual transmission. It also delivers a fast and sporty shift while maintaining excellent shift smoothness.

Ford's Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Michigan, which will produce the 6F35  will double its  production capacity to 1.3 million units annually. Van Dyke plant also assembles the 6F50 front-wheel-drive transmission. Last year, 221,000 6F50 transmissions were produced for the Ford Taurus, Ford Taurus X, Ford Edge, Mercury Sable and Lincoln MKX.

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