Nissan is one of the most fervent proponents of the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), so it comes as no surprise that the automaker equipped more than a million vehicles with the transmission during its 2007 fiscal year, meeting a mid-term target set as part of its Nissan Green Program 2010.
CVTs are now found in roughly 29 percent of all Nissans sold globally. In the North American market more than 40 percent of Nissans sold come with a CVT. Nissan has been a pioneer in CVT development since the transmission was first developed in 1992. The Japanese automaker has worked to make the CVT compatable with both high-revving engines and engines up to 3.5-liters.
A CVT features smoother gear changes and power modulation as a result of its automatic selection within an infinite amount of ratios. The continuously varying selections are then matched to the vehicle speed and engine RPMs making for a seamlessly changing transmission. The setup helps to maximize fuel economy over a traditional automatic setup.
Under Nissan's Green Program 2010, the Japanese auto manufacturer has been introducing various green technologies that will assist in the reduction and prevention of further harmful CO2 pollution derived from its cars and trucks.
Source: Nissan Motor Corp.