Automotive manufacturing corporation Stellantis plans to invest $229 million in three of its Kokomo, Indiana, plants to help the company reach its goal of achieving 40% low-emission vehicle sales in the U.S. by 2030. 

The investment will support retooling of the Kokomo Transmission (KTP), Kokomo Casting, and Indiana Transmission plants to produce the fourth-generation eight-speed transmission that will be flexible enough to pair with internal combustion engines, as well as mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid propulsion systems for vehicles across the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler and Dodge brands. Stellanis said it will deliver improved fuel economy, provide pure-electric range and help vehicles meet future emission regulations.

Stellantis Head of Powertrain Operations Brad Clark made the announcement during an event at the Kokomo Transmission Plant attended by Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb, Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore and UAW Region 2B Director Wayne Blanchard, along with other elected officials and community leaders.

Adding electrified transmission assembly also diversifies the product portfolio of the Kokomo operations. The investment also leverages the core manufacturing competencies of the Kokomo operations and the local workforce in the areas of casting, machining and assembly, all of which will be needed as the market transitions to an electrified future.

The new transmission will capitalize on a number of common parts within the different versions – transmission gear train/clutch, mechatronics, mechanical pump and E-pump motor. It also will have the flexibility for unique parts to adapt to the various electrification options. These parts include the eMotor, torque converter and power electronics.