The future of dual-clutch transmission (DCT) as a type of automated automotive transmission will unlock multiple opportunities for automakers from all corners of the world by with enhanced vehicle performance. Considering the present alternatives for DCT technology, automobile manufacturers are anxious to replace it with something more efficient. The likelihood of advancements being incorporated in the existing DCT mechanism, however, seems plausible. Future drivers will undoubtedly prefer the smooth gear-shifting offered through dual-clutch transmission technology.

DCT effortlessly secures a strong position as it brings commitment between drivers and their vehicles. Cars of the future might be far too advanced in terms of design, fuel efficiency, torque and performance, but still, a robust rapport between the driver and vehicle will remain a prerequisite. DCT is being actively incorporated into concept cars from leading automakers. It is safe to say that in 2017 and beyond, dual-clutch transmission will make sure that the driver’s hands are committed to steering wheel and nothing else.

BorgWarner United Transmissions Systems, a joint venture between China Automobile Development United Investment (CDUI) and BorgWarner, is recognized as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of DCT modules since 2011. The company’s DCT systems have been integrated with top-end performance cars such as the Nissan GT-R.

China’s influence on the global market for dual-clutch transmissions will continue as DCT systems from Chinese manufacturing plants are being actively fitted into several European cars. A recent study on the global DCT market, conducted by Future Market Insights, projects that revenues from the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region will increase at a stellar growth rate in the next five years. By 2020, the APAC dual-clutch transmission market size is expected to expand at a CAGR of 16.14%.

Future Market Insights also predicts a considerable growth for DCT systems in North America and Western Europe, regarding these as two of the most-dominant regions in the global DCT systems market. European luxury carmakers such as BMW continue to include advanced dual-clutch transmission systems in their high-performance vehicles. The company’s M3 model continues to be manufactured by embedding GETRAG’s DualTronic double-clutch transmission system. GETRAG’s DCT product portfolio will also be included in the elite vehicle range offered by Ford, Volvo, Ferrari, BMW, and Mitsubishi.

Research on the global market for DCT systems says that in 2014, an estimated 4,765 thousand units of DCT systems were sold globally. By 2020, the demand for twin-clutch transmission will continue to be higher than continuous variable transmission (CVT). Presumably, high-end sports cars will remain equipped with DCT systems to deliver a quicker and smoother gear-shift functioning to the racers. In the future, smaller and compact version of dual-clutch, which is in development, will be included in motorcycles. A new gear set incorporated in existing DCT systems will advance the transmissions further, using ten gears instead or six or seven.

Abhishek Budholiya is a tech blogger and digital marketing pro. As a technology and digital branding consultant with Future Market Insights, he offers his analysis on the tech market research landscape, especially when it pertains to the commercial viability of a new breakthrough.