Can AMTs sweep away manuals?

Automatic cars haven’t really gained traction with Indian buyers yet but this scenario could rapidly change. Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) was a bit of a buzzword at the Auto Expo 2014, with a number of manufacturers displaying keen interest in the tech. The Auto Expo 2014 played host to the launch of the first mainstream AMT-equipped car in India, the Maruti Celerio and predictably, there has been a slew towards AMT tech across manufacturers.

Mahindra showcased its AMT-equipped Quanto called the Mahindra Quanto auto shift, indigenously developed with help from Ricardo, a British engineering solutions company. Mahindra is marketing the Quanto auto shift as an adventurous car that’s easy to drive as well. Tata showcased the Nano Twist Active which, apart from the recently fitted power steering, also features an AMT 'box which should help the Nano unlock its true potential as a city runabout. Besides the Nano Twist Active, Tata also showcased the Zest sedan AMT.

AMT technology isn’t really new and has been around for a while. However,this sudden renewed interest in AMT tech is down to its cost effectiveness and that electronics have evolved over the years, improving AMT units in terms of their performance and reliability. Also, the development of features such as hill-hold promise to significantly improve clutch life, resulting in lower maintenance costs as well. The only real drawback is that AMTs are jerkier than regular automatics; which is why the use of the technology isn't widespread in other developed markets today. But in a price sensitive market like ours, AMTs should do well to cajole the masses into ditching manuals.

Since AMTs are essentially mechatronic units that piggyback on the manual transmission's clutch and gearbox, the price difference between the manuals and AMTs tend be fairly constant across segments. Hence, AMT-equipped mid-sizers and above should offer exceptional value as opting for the auto will be just a fraction of the cost of the car. Soon, we can expect carmakers to offer AMT ‘boxes across portfolios, giving consumers an option to choose an automatic like never before.

The AMT technology is patented by Magneti Marelli (MM), the component arm of Italian carmaker Fiat SpA. Unsurprisingly then, Fiat too is mulling introduction of an AMT-equipped Grand Punto hatchback and Linea sedan. However, this won’t be the first time Fiat uses this tech as it had featured on the old Punto (not Grande Punto) previously.