Honda launched global production of a 10-speed automatic transmission at Honda Precision Parts of Georgia, LLC (HPPG) in Tallapoosa, Georgia.

Honda also announced March 6 that it has invested nearly $150 million in two U.S. manufacturing plants for production of the industry's first 10-speed automatic transmission (10AT) for front-wheel-drive vehicles.

2018 Honda Odyssey.The new investment includes $100 million for a new assembly line and production modifications at HPPG and an additional $49 million to provide new equipment and increased production capacity at Honda Transmission Mfg. of America, Inc. (HTM) in Russells Point, Ohio.

Developed by Honda R&D, the 10AT features a low-friction design, which the company says will deliver "outstanding drivability" in new Honda and Acura vehicles. It will appear first in upper grades of the 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan, and will be applied to additional light-truck and car models in the future.

HPPG was established in 2006 and annually produces more than 375,000 transmissions for Honda and Acura automobiles. HTM began production in 1996 and now produces more than one million transmissions per year for Honda and Acura vehicles built in North America.