Ford Motor Co. will begin using six-speed automatic transmissions in its small cars beginning with 2010 models. Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday it will introduce a more fuel-efficient, six-speed transmission system for all of its small cars in North America.

The company said the new transmission system offers better fuel economy than current automatic transmissions, most of which are five-speed. The PowerShift transmission can help cut fuel consumption by up to 9 percent, according to the announcement.

The new gearbox, known as PowerShift, is supplied by Getrag.  It was previously hinted at during launch events for the upcoming re-release of the Ford Fiesta.  Ford's first iteration of the new double clutch is a wet clutch system.  The first vehicle to receive it will be the European Focus, available with a 2.0L diesel engine.

In other words the transmission is centered on two separately operating gear sets, each with their own dry clutch, which act together to transmit power to the wheels. One clutch transmits power for gears one, three and five while the other operates two, four and six, as acceleration or deceleration is required the gear set opposite the one engaged is preparing the next predicted gear, making shifts quick and power delivery seamless.

In North America, a dry-clutch derivative of Ford's PowerShift transmission will be used for a 30 percent weight savings over its current four-speed slushbox and added efficiency and durability--thanks to the fact that a dry-clutch unit does not require an oil pump or torque converter, providing superior mechanical efficiency. Ford announced in July 2008 that it plans to begin building small cars at the Louisville Assembly Plant by 2011.