Schaeffler’s CVT chain is a successful product. This innovation was first used in the so-called “Multitronic” transmission in Audi’s A6 models in 1999. Starting with 50 pieces per day, today 6,000 chains roll off the production line at the location in Bühl every working day. 2016-12-14 | Bühl For Schaeffler, the development and production of the CVT chain has been a continued success story: This innovation was first used in the so-called “Multitronic” transmission in Audi’s A6 models in 1999. Starting with 50 pieces per day, today 6,000 chains roll off the production line at the location in Bühl every working day. And from a global perspective, all indicators point to growth. It was the multi-link chain by Schaeffler’s LuK brand that made the CVT (continuously variable transmission) suitable for high torques. From development through to volume production readiness – this is an example of the comprehensive expertise Schaeffler offers its customers. "The excellent cooperation between development and production makes the deceicive difference from which our customers have benefited in the past and still benefit from today”, said Norbert Indlekofer, CEO Automotive of Schaeffler AG, at the anniversary ceremony celebrating the production of the 10 millionth CVT chain. Production facilities that are tailored to the relevant requirements are designed and produced by Special Machinery. Best Performance Award This sort of operative excellence has been positively received by the customers. Holger Ubben, Vice President of the CVT product line, recently accepted an award in the Best Performance category in Mexico. The prize was awarded by JATCO Mexico for the spontaneous capacity expansion regarding CVT8 transmissions in 2015. Thanks to Special Machinery, it was possible to react extremely flexibly at the Schaeffler location in Buehl. “It is crucial to have in-depth command of the production process, and we have proven this once again”, said Trudbert Kraus, Senior Vice President Operations in the Transmission Systems business division at Schaeffler. The success story continues Modern transmission automation concepts such as those on offer from Schaeffler provide an efficient service and convince even more drivers around the world of the benefits of driving without a clutch pedal. Another argument in favor of the CVT is the fact that the gear ratio is continuously adjusted with no interruption to the tractive force, which means that the engine can always be operated in the most favorable area of the datamap in terms of consumption. “An argument in favor of the Schaeffler chain is the degree of efficiency which has an edge over our competitors’ products”, Indlekofer explains. This triggers high demand from customers from all over the world: Construction works for the capacity expansion have already begun at the Schaeffler plant in Puebla/Mexico, so that the demand can be met at the site from late 2017. Preparations for localization activities in China are also well under way. Start of production is scheduled for September 2018.