REGENSBURG, Germany, NUREMBERG, Germany and CEDAR PARK, Texas, Nov. 20, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The international automotive supplier Continental has entered into licensing and engineering services agreements with Fallbrook Technologies Inc. (Fallbrook).The central focus of the collaboration is the NuVinci® transmission technology developed by the U.S. firm. This innovative continuously variable planetary (CVP) is a new class of continuously variable transmission (CVT) utilizing rotating balls that allow the transmission ratio to change continuously. "This collaboration with Fallbrook will provide us with the opportunity to expand our business activities in the area of private urban mobility," said Rudolf Stark, Head of the Transmission Business Unit in the Powertrain Division. "The aim of the collaboration is to develop new electromechanical transmission solutions for urban transport on the basis of this continuously variable automatic transmission."

"We are looking forward to working with such a successful, large, and multi-dimensional company as Continental," said William G. Klehm III, Chairman and CEO of Fallbrook Technologies. "This collaboration is a major step towards our goal of disseminating NuVinci technology as widely as possible. We already have a strong position in the bicycle industry. Our influence is also growing in the automotive industry, where our licensees are making good progress in the development of market-ready products. And thanks to our collaboration with Continental, we will have even more opportunities to develop new, pioneering applications."

Transmission Technology with Broad Range of Applications

In the NuVinci transmission, Fallbrook is changing transmissions from "Gears to Spheres™" using rotating balls arranged in a circle, which are located between the input and output components of the transmission. Tilting the balls changes their contact diameter and therefore the transmission ratio. NuVinci transmissions can be configured to replace various types of planetary transmissions with a compact unit that can improve system efficiency.

The technology is versatile and can be used to develop customized products for a wide range of applications – from stationary devices and bicycles to vehicles.

Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2014, the corporation generated sales of approximately €34.5 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tires, and ContiTech. Continental currently employs more than 208,000 people in 53 countries.

Fallbrook Technologies Inc. is the developer of the patented NuVinci® continuously variable planetary (CVP) technology, which can improve the performance and efficiency of machines that use a transmission, including vehicles, stationary equipment, bicycles, and others. NuVinci technology offers companies the flexibility to design and produce next-generation products that are better-tailored to their unique business, market, and competitive requirements. Major automotive transmission suppliers have licensed the NuVinci technology for the development of automotive class drivetrains, and a market-leading supplier has licensed the technology and is developing NuVinci Optimized transmissions for electric and gasoline light vehicle applications. The first commercial products to come onto the market with Fallbrook's NuVinci CVP technology were continuously variable transmission systems for bicycles and the company continues to develop and enhance its bicycle products. Fallbrook is based in Cedar Park near Austin in the U.S. state of Texas, and holds rights to over 700 patents and patent applications worldwide. Further information is available at www.fallbrooktech.com. / www.nuvinci.com

This press release is available in the following languages: German, English

Press portal: www.continental-media.com