Bosch, Getrag to develop dual-clutch hybrid

BOSCH and Getrag have signed an agreement to develop a petrol-electric drive system in unison with a dual-clutch transmission.

Announced this week, the deal will unite two of the most effective new automotive technologies - hybrid power and a double-clutch automatic gearbox.

Getrag is already a dual-clutch transmission specialist, while Bosch has knowledge of power electronics. Together, the German companies will develop and market a parallel hybrid system in conjunction with a dual-clutch auto and electrical final-drive unit.

The companies say the energy-efficient shifting ability of a dual-clutch transmission is ideally suited to a parallel hybrid system, in which the electric drive is part of the powertrain to provide regenerative energy when braking.

DaimlerChrysler, BMW and General Motors have formed a partnership to develop a hybrid drive system for a range of petrol-electric models from 2007, but Bosch and Getrag remain confident car-makers will generate demand for their joint-venture hybrid system.

"The cooperation we have established with the world's largest supplier to the automotive industry is highly promising for the future development of hybrid drive technology," said Getrag Group chairman Dieter Schlenkermann.

"The know-how of both companies will put us in the position to offer our customers throughout the world cutting-edge solutions for future drive concepts." Bosch's Automotive Group chairman Dr Bernd Bohr concurs: "Together we can offer automobile manufacturers a highly integrated and compact hybrid system that will enable low fuel consumption and excellent vehicle dynamics."