Honda Switching to CVTs in a Big Way
While many automakers are developing new transmissions with more and more gears, Honda is investing in a tried and tested transmission platform, the continuously variable transmission or CVT.
Honda announced yesterday that it will be investing $98 million at its Anna, Ohio, engine plant to build advanced pulley components for the automakers new CVT transmissions. These CVT transmissions will first debut in the 2013 Honda Accord and will also eventually find their way into CR-V as well as Civic. Paired with the new “Earth Dreams” 2.4 liter direct injection engine, the new CVT will help Honda’s midsize cars claim 10 percent better fuel economy compared to the current five-speed transmission.
This investment is in conjunction with a $120 million investment made last year into the Russells Point, Ohio transmission plant where the new CVTs will be produced starting in 2013. Honda said that Ohio is a very important production center for its North American operations having invested $500 million since November of 2010. “For decades, our two Ohio powertrain plants have worked together to deliver advanced products for our customers,” said Hide Iwata, president and CEO of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. “The production of this new CVT technology puts the Buckeye State right in the middle of Honda’s global strategy.”
Honda is working hard to introduce a new line of engines and transmissions to make their product offerings more fuel efficient.
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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Well, guess I will not be trading in my 2010 Honda Accord for a 2013 - as I do not like the feel of a CVT. Test road the Nissan Altima and ran away to the Honda Accord due to the CVT. And if they move the CRV to this CVT technology - we will no longer be a Honda family!
The CVT is the best transmission I've ever owned, I'm not sure what you folks have experienced but my 2001 Honda Insight has 260,000 miles on it and the transmissions smooth shifting even today is one of the best features this car has. The CVT push drive belt has shown no sign of failure. However, I do believe that regular fluid changes for this type of transmission are more critical than other old school transmissions. BTW this CVT offers approx. 7%-9% fuel economy over the traditional transmissions of the past. Of course the 50-60 mpg is also on my list of favorites for this car. The only down side is that it is only a two-seater. CVT is moving forward and Honda is spending a ton of money to prove how much better these are over the old school tranny's and thinkers of the past. Make dust or eat it boys!