Conti announces long-life timing belts at IAA

Frankfurt, Germany -- "With a whole series of innovations, in the last two years ContiTech has significantly improved the performance of timing belts", said Hermann Schulte, head of development for timing belt drives at the ContiTech Power Transmission Group in Hanover.

Conti said it supplies timing belts to Volkswagen's Lupo, Polo and Golf models in engine sizes up to 1.6 litres. These belts, it claims, never need to be replaced for the life of the car,

In a statement from the Conti, Schulte said, "Today's customers demand maintenance intervals that are as long as possible or even completely maintenance-free engines. At the same time, engine life is increasing rapidly. In the 1980s, a service life of 100,000 kilometers was required but now the standard figure is 240,000 kilometers." The company revealed the innovation at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the IAA.