Abstract
In recent years, the use of Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) in automotive applications has seen a strong worldwide growth. With a 10% annual growth rate, the CVT based on the pushbelt principle takes the lead. This growth, that is foreseen to intensify the coming years, is driven by several Key Performance Indicators (KPI). A first KPI is the high level of comfort, which for many consumers defines the benchmark. A second KPI is the excellent fuel economy of CVT equipped drivelines that responds to the present needs in the market. This paper discusses the efforts to support these KPI. While giving an update of the actual status on fuel economy, efficiency, power density and NVH, new developments are highlighted that enable further optimizations of the pushbelt CVT in an ever-demanding market.
