GM, Ford to Invest in 6-Speed Transmission

General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. are investing $720 million in plants to build a new six-speed automatic transmission.

The front-wheel-drive transmission is expected to offer an estimated 4% improved fuel economy over traditional four-speed transmissions in front-wheel-drive cars.

The world’s two largest automakers said more than 1,100 jobs will be retained because of the partnership.