What is a CVT?

CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission.

In theory the CVT is an ideal design.

It varies the transmission ratio continuously so could say it is an automatic transmission with an infinite number of ratios. As a result, at any time the most suitable ratio can be chosen so that performance and energy efficiency are both optimised.  Theoretically it looks very simple, but the implementation is very difficult.

The most used CVT is based on an invention from a CVT specialist company in the Netherlands ''Van Doorne Transmissions" who was the inventor of the "Variomatic" used in the DAF and later in the VOLVO 55, 66, and the 340.

There  is also a CVT developed by NSK in Japan based on the idea of the friction cars, called the powertoros unit.

It has taken more than 100 years in total for the development to get this far.

The CVT transmission is the transmission for the future, especially now fuel prices are rising.

The CVT transmission is now used in nearly all vehicle makes, regardless of whether the engine is a 4, 6 or an 8 cylinder. The belt used in the majority of CVT transmissions is now of a very high standard and can cope with very high torques.

The CVT transmission is very reliable, provided you keep the maintenance up to date and use the correct transmission fluids recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, or transmission fluids supplied by CVT NZ 2010 Ltd.

If you experience problems with your CVT transmission talk to your dealer first, and if they can't help, go to the specialists - CVT NZ 2010 Ltd.