Is it time for automotive manufacturers to re-think the automatic transmission?

[RD_Atlanta]

Seeing how dreadfully bad that manufacturers are at making a reliable automatic transmission. I often ask myself why not make a manual transmission with automatic shifting components mounted external to the transmission (where they can be easily serviced)? It would only require (3) external actuators...(2) actuators for shifting and and (1) actuator for the clutch. The point being is if a person can actuate external clutch & shift levers, I don't see any reason these couldn't be automated with the PCM controlling motors and possibly screw gear actuator-drives for torque. I realize this is a bit unorthodox but the cost that car owners are having to fork over to repair automatic transmissions, perhaps it's time for manufacturers to think unorthodox. My experience with manual transmissions is if they are properly operated (clutch & shifting), they often outlast the vehicle.

 

[HotZ28]

And git rid of all the CVV transmissions which fail sooner than later!

 

[ulycyc]

If parts or cars are made to last then the whole industry will crumble.