Dutch Car Pioneers CVT with Variomatic Transmission

The Netherlands played a pioneering role in automotive transmission technology with DAF's 1959 Variomatic CVT, which used a belt and pulley system for infinite gear ratios, leading to improved fuel economy. This technology was later adapted by Subaru in 1989 with electronic controls, making CVTs more common in modern vehicles, especially hybrids. The Variomatic's legacy includes its influence on the development of automatic transmissions and its widespread use in cars and racing.