Continuously Variable Transmissions(CVD) A continuously variable transmission or Cvt, is a type of automatic transmission that provides more useable power, better fuel economy and a smoother driving experience than a traditional automatic History of the CVT Leonardo da vinci sketched the first cvt in 1490. dutch automaker daf first started using CVTs in their cars in the late 1950s, however technology limitations made cvis unsuitable for engines with more than around 100 horsepower. In the late 80s and early 90s, Subaru offered a Cvt in their Justy mini-car, while Honda used one in the high-mileage honda Civic hX of the late 90s Improved Cvis capable of handling more powerful engines were developed in the late 90s and 2000s and cvs can now be found in cars from nissan audi honda ford gm, and other automakersContinuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) A continuously variable transmission, or CVT, is a type of automatic transmission that provides more useable power, better fuel economy and a smoother driving experience than a traditional automatic. History of the CVT Leonardo Da Vinci sketched the first CVT in 1490. Dutch automaker DAF first started using CVTs in their cars in the late 1950s; however technology limitations made CVTs unsuitable for engines with more than around 100 horsepower. In the late 80s and early 90s, Subaru offered a CVT in their Justy mini-car, while Honda used one in the high-mileage Honda Civic HX of the late 90s. Improved CVTs capable of handling more powerful engines were developed in the late 90s and 2000s, and CVTs can now be found in cars from Nissan, Audi, Honda, Ford, GM, and other automakers