Abstract
Transmission development started with very simple designs of manual gear boxes.Due to the demand for more comfort the automatic-step gear-transmission was introduced. The first commercially available belt type CVT was introduced in 1958 and was based on a rubber V belt. Meanwhile the CVT principle has evoluated to a fully electronic controlled transmission system, based on a metal belt, and is capable to be adapted to engines of almost all sizes. In the next decade spectacular developments may be expected in the CVT itself, in the combination of CVT with engine and controls, and in complete hybrid drivetrains, where the CVT, in combination with an energy storage device and a small engine, will lead to further reduction of fuel consumption and emissions.