Ford patents 11-speed automatic gearbox

Ford has reportedly filed for a patent for a new 11-speed automatic gearbox. Patent documents published on April 9 by the US Patent and Trademark Office, revealed that a patent for the tech was filed by Ford in October 2013. However, it has been accepted now.

The document includes details of three variations of the 11-speed gearbox, using multiple planetary gear sets, clutches and brakes. Ford has remained quiet about the gearbox’s development, but it is likely to feature in multiple models in the future if it is developed.

In an official statement, Ford powertrain spokesperson Paul Seredynski said, “As a technology leader, we submit patents on innovative ideas as a normal course of business. Patent submissions help protect our new ideas but do not necessarily indicate future business or product plans”.

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