Mr. Transmission

Mr. Transmission began in 1956 when Nelson Tribue founded the business in Nashville, Tennessee, with a focus on transmission repair. Franchising began in 1976, and the brand reached more than 144 franchised shops by the mid 1980s before declining to 40 locations in 1989. Dennis and Cecilia Moran of Moran Industries acquired the rights in 1990, marking Moran Industries’ first franchise venture. Mr. Transmission is now part of the Moran Family of Brands, based in Midlothian, Illinois. Barbara Moran Goodrich is CEO, and Peter Baldine is President of Moran Family of Brands in the U.S. As of October 2025, Mr. Transmission had 111 locations, primarily in the United States, and has received recognition among leading automotive repair franchises from Entrepreneur Magazine. In December 2025, Moran Family of Brands acquired Canada’s Mister Transmission, founded in 1963 by Bruce Brillinger and Jerry Etkin. Mister Transmission began franchising in 1969 and had more than 60 Canadian locations, including 58 units in 2019. The acquisition brought the combined network to nearly 200 locations across the U.S. and Canada, with additional co branded Milex and Mr. Transmission operations in Africa. The brand has operated under Moran Family of Brands for 34 years and remains focused on transmission and drivetrain services.

Mr. Transmission operates in the general automotive repair market, where demand is supported by an aging vehicle fleet in North America. The average vehicle age in the United States often exceeds 12 years, increasing the need for repairs to transmissions, drivetrains and other complex components. More advanced vehicle technology and higher new vehicle prices may also encourage owners to repair existing vehicles rather than replace them. Personal transportation remains necessary for many consumers, while transmission work is often too specialized for do it yourself repairs. The market includes many independent shops and larger chains, but Mr. Transmission focuses on a narrower transmission and drivetrain segment. Continued vehicle miles traveled and reliance on personal vehicles for commuting and leisure create an ongoing need for maintenance and repair.

The primary Mr. Transmission franchise fee is $57,000. Other reported figures include $45,000 for a single unit and $55,000 for a co branded Mr. Transmission and Milex Complete Auto Care unit under 2025 FDD information. Some 2026 sources cite $30,000 for Mr. Transmission only and $35,000 for a co brand. Older data also lists fees between $30,000 and $35,000, so buyers should review the latest Franchise Disclosure Document. Reported total investment ranges include $54,000 to $340,000 for a Mr. Transmission center, $267,000 to $363,000 for a single facility, $293,700 to $362,700 for a co branded unit, and $275,000 to $345,000 under another 2025 source. The December 2024 FDD lists $267,300 to $340,800 for a single Mr. Transmission or Milex franchise, including $58,000 paid to the franchisor or affiliate, and $293,700 to $362,700 for a co branded unit, including $98,000 paid to the franchisor or affiliate. Other 2026 figures list $173,315 to $246,185 for Mr. Transmission only, $193,266 to $277,279 for a co brand, and $204,006 to $288,409 for a Mr. Transmission and Milex franchise. Liquid asset guidance is generally $60,000, with some 2026 sources citing $50,000 for a single trademark unit and $70,000 for a co brand. General net worth guidance is $250,000, while 2026 figures cite $225,000 for a single unit and $300,000 for a co brand. Another 2026 source lists an advertising fee of $100 per month for a single unit and $200 per month for a co brand. Other costs include computer software and hardware of $4,600 to $5,700 for a single unit and $5,700 to $6,200 for a co brand, VOIP equipment of $900 and $1,200, initial parts and inventory of $3,800 to $4,500 and $4,800 to $5,600, furniture and fixtures of $5,500 to $6,000, specialized equipment of $65,000 to $79,000 and $78,000 to $88,000, shop tools and supplies of $3,000 to $4,000, and a software subscription of $350 per month.

A Mr. Transmission center diagnoses, repairs and maintains transmissions and drivetrain components. Owners may choose a single Mr. Transmission unit or a co branded location with Milex Complete Auto Care, which adds general automotive repair and maintenance. Training lasts five weeks, including three weeks of practical field training and two weeks at the home office. It covers business operations, technical services and customer service, and may be adjusted to a franchisee’s needs. Prior automotive experience is not required. Moran Family of Brands provides field consultants, proprietary technology platforms, marketing programs and supply chain relationships for parts access and pricing. The system operates in the United States, Canada and Africa through the co branded Milex and Mr. Transmission model. Specific territory exclusivity details are not provided.

The current Mr. Transmission model were $726,188. Transmission plus Milex, compared with a sub sector average of $1,123,934. These figures come from external sources rather than the current FDD and may vary by unit and reporting method. Buyers should request available performance information from the franchisor and speak with current franchisees about unit economics and operations.

As of October 2025, Mr. Transmission had 111 locations, mainly in the United States, compared with 40 locations in 1989 after a period of bankruptcy. Before the acquisition of Mister Transmission, Moran Family of Brands had more than 130 franchise locations nationwide in the U.S. Its portfolio includes Milex Complete Auto Care, Turbo Tint, Multistate Transmissions, Dr. Nick's Transmissions and Alta Mere. The December 2025 acquisition of Canada based Mister Transmission, with more than 60 locations and 58 units in 2019, expanded the combined network to nearly 200 locations across North America. Co branded Milex and Mr. Transmission operations also extend into Africa. Mr. Transmission’s position is based on its operating history since 1956, specialized transmission and drivetrain services, and support from Moran Family of Brands. Entrepreneur Magazine has continued to recognize the brand among leading automotive repair franchises.

The franchise is intended for owners with business judgment, leadership ability, customer service focus and the capacity to manage a specialized service operation. Automotive repair experience is not required because the system provides training and operating tools. No specific multi unit requirement is stated, although Moran Family of Brands offers related brands such as Milex Complete Auto Care and Turbo Tint, along with co branded options. Territories are available in the U.S., Canada and parts of Africa through co branded operations. Specific market performance information is not publicly detailed, though the brand targets urban and suburban areas with high vehicle ownership. The franchise agreement term is not specified. The source notes that comparable agreements often run from 5 to 10 years with renewal options, while transfer and resale provisions are standard considerations in established franchise systems.

Mr. Transmission offers a specialized automotive service model with roots dating to 1956 and support from Moran Family of Brands. The December 2025 acquisition of Mister Transmission expanded the combined network to nearly 200 locations across the U.S. and Canada. The brand has a Loan Activity Score of 50. Reported investment figures include a $57,000 franchise fee and total investment estimates from $54,000 to $340,000. Buyers should compare the different fee and investment figures, review the latest FDD and confirm operating economics with existing franchisees before proceeding.