Does Mazda Use Aisin Transmissions?
2 Answers
Mazda does not use Aisin transmissions; instead, it employs its self-developed SKYACTIV series of transmissions. A transmission is a mechanism used to alter the speed and torque from the engine, capable of fixing or changing the gear ratio between the output and input shafts in steps. It consists of a gear transmission mechanism and a control mechanism. Mazda is a Japanese multinational automaker listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, with a product lineup including the SUV series CX3, CX30, CX4, CX5, CX8, CX9; the sedan series Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6; the sports car MX5; and the pickup truck BT50, among others.
I used to wonder about this too, since Japanese cars commonly use Aisin transmissions. But Mazda is really different now. After developing their Skyactiv Technology, mainstream models like the Mazda3 Axela and Mazda6 Atenza mostly use transmissions developed and manufactured in-house. Last year I disassembled a CX-5's transmission and found all the parts stamped with Mazda's logo. Of course, the older automatic Mazda3 did use Aisin AT, and even now the automatic version of the MX-5 still uses Aisin's 6AT - after all, sports cars have special positioning. But if you've bought a new car in the last 3-5 years and see the 'SKYACTIV' blue logo on the transmission housing when you pop the hood, that's definitely Mazda's own product.
