VW shifts to dual-clutch transmissions.

WOLFSBURG, Germany - The Volkswagen brand plans to replace all of its transverse-mounted automatic transmissions with its direct-shift gearbox over the next five years. The direct-shift gearbox, VW's version of a dual-clutch transmission, offers improved fuel economy, smoother shifting and greater reliability compared with a standard automatic, says Wolfgang Bernhard, head of the VW brand.