AMT gearboxes are indeed equipped with a clutch, but their operation differs from that of traditional manual gearboxes. This automated clutch manual transmission adopts an integrated electro-mechanical-hydraulic design. Drivers do not need to operate the clutch pedal, as the automatic clutch integrated inside the gearbox works independently during starting and gear shifting. Its structure retains the gear set of a manual gearbox, but automation is achieved through motor-controlled pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric systems. The advantage of AMT lies in combining the high transmission efficiency of manual gearboxes (over 7% higher than AT) and the operational convenience of automatic gearboxes, while reducing fuel consumption by approximately 20%. However, a slight jolt may occur during hill starts due to the response characteristics of the hydraulic system, which is caused by its mechanical structure. Currently, some economy models in the local market adopt this type of gearbox, and their maintenance costs are about 30% lower than those of traditional automatic gearboxes.
