Getrag

Getrag
Name	Getrag
Industry	Automotive
Founded	1935
Fate	Acquired by Magna International (2015)
Headquarters	Untergruppenbach, Germany
Products	Transmissions, dual-clutch systems, manual gearboxes, automated manual transmissions, hybrid powertrain components

Getrag Getrag was a German automotive transmission manufacturer known for supplying manual transmissions, dual-clutch transmissions, and hybrid transmission systems to global original equipment manufacturers. Founded in the 20th century, the company became a principal supplier to automakers across Europe, North America, and Asia before being acquired by a major automotive supplier. Getrag developed powertrain systems that featured in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and performance models from leading brands.

History

Getrag traces its corporate lineage to German engineering firms and suppliers active before and after World War II, engaging in transmission development alongside manufacturers such as Daimler-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen Group. During the postwar boom, Getrag expanded through collaborations with Opel, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors. In the late 20th century, technical partnerships and licensing agreements linked the company with Fiat, Renault, Peugeot, and Citroën. In the early 21st century, as automatic and dual-clutch transmissions grew in importance, Getrag gained contracts with Ford Motor Company, Nissan, Mazda, and Volvo Cars. The company’s strategic position shifted with rising demand from Toyota Motor Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company, and Kia Corporation for manual and automated manual gearboxes. In 2015, Getrag’s acquisition by Magna International reshaped supplier networks and merged expertise with other divisions tied to Aptiv-era technologies and global sourcing.

Products and Technologies

Getrag produced a broad portfolio including 5-speed, 6-speed, 7-speed manual transmissions; multi-speed dual-clutch transmissions (DCT); automated manual transmissions (AMT); transaxles; and hybrid transmission modules. Its DCT platforms competed with units from ZF Friedrichshafen, Aisin Seiki, and BorgWarner used by Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. The company engineered transaxles for front-wheel-drive configurations supplied to Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance members and manufactured 7-speed manual and 6-speed automated gearboxes for BMW AG performance models. Getrag’s modular transmission architectures addressed torque capacities demanded by Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin in limited-run models and were adapted for use in mass-market vehicles from Citroën, Peugeot, and Seat. Hybrid-ready transmissions and e-drive integration were developed to suit powertrains used by Volvo Cars and Ford Motor Company in electrified variants.

Corporate Structure and Ownership

Getrag operated as a privately held engineering and manufacturing group with regional subsidiaries in Europe, North America, and Asia. Executive management historically included leadership drawn from German industrial networks connected to Daimler AG and Bayerische Motoren Werke AG. Ownership structures evolved through private equity participation, strategic investors, and ultimately sale to Magna International in a transaction that involved cross-border merger approvals and integration into Magna’s global powertrain and driveline portfolio. Post-acquisition corporate governance aligned Getrag’s product lines with Magna’s business units that collaborate with major original equipment manufacturers such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Stellantis.

Manufacturing Facilities and Global Operations

Getrag maintained manufacturing plants, engineering centers, and test facilities across Germany, France, the United States, Mexico, China, and India. European operations in Baden-Württemberg and Lorraine served customers including BMW AG and Renault S.A., while North American plants supported supply contracts with General Motors and Ford Motor Company. Asian sites in Shanghai and Changzhou addressed demand from Geely Group-associated brands and Great Wall Motors. Mexico and Brazil facilities supplied factories operated by Volkswagen Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now part of Stellantis). Manufacturing strategies emphasized just-in-time logistics and tiered supplier relationships involving Bosch, Continental AG, and Schaeffler Group.

Partnerships and Major Customers

Getrag’s customer roster featured global automakers and performance marques: BMW AG, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Renault, Nissan, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation, Volvo Cars, Geely, Ferrari, Porsche AG, and Aston Martin. Technical partnerships included collaborative development programs with transmission component suppliers and driveline integrators such as ZF Friedrichshafen, Aisin Seiki, BorgWarner, Brembo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries on selective projects. Research alliances and joint ventures connected Getrag with academic institutions and testing consortia tied to RWTH Aachen University and Technische Universität München.

Research, Development, and Innovations

Getrag invested in research and development focused on dual-clutch technology, lightweight materials, gear metallurgy, and electronic shift-by-wire systems to meet performance and efficiency targets set by customers including BMW AG and Audi AG. R&D programs emphasized noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction for luxury marques such as Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, and developed hybrid modules for electrified models marketed by Volvo Cars and Ford Motor Company. The company participated in industry standards and consortium work with organizations like ISO-aligned testing groups and collaborated with suppliers such as Schaeffler Group on bearing and clutch technologies. Patents and engineering reports from Getrag influenced designs later integrated into Magna’s powertrain roadmap.

Category:Automotive suppliers