Ford statement on Free Press investigation of DPS6 transmission

Ford Motor Co. provided this statement in response to Free Press questions about its decisions regarding the DPS6 dual-clutch transmission used in the Fiesta and Focus:

In 2011 and 2012, Ford was excited and proud to introduce an innovative, all-new transmission that delivered higher fuel efficiency and had a smaller environmental footprint. Development of the transmission presented challenges common to innovative new technology. Those challenges were raised in normal exchanges inside Ford and with Getrag, the maker of the transmission.

Based on rigorous testing during development, we were confident in the transmission and our ability to address any quality issues that might arise with the new technology. Some consumers, accustomed to traditional automatic transmissions, found the shifting pattern of the new, fuel-efficient automatic transmission unusual and raised questions with their dealers. By design, the new transmission, also an automatic, shifted more like a manual transmission. In places where manual transmissions were still more common, related consumer inquiries were much lower.

After the new transmission was on the road, other problems developed. We acted quickly and determinedly to investigate the problems, alert dealers, recommend and pay for repairs, and extend warranties. While we eventually resolved the quality issues, the solutions were more complex and took longer than we expected. We regret the inconvenience and frustration that caused some consumers.

Along the way, we identified and discussed a range of possible remedies, including switching to an entirely different transmission. We believed the decisions we made at different points to correct the problems were best for consumers. While we have addressed quality problems with the transmission, vehicles in which it was installed were and remain safe.