Hooray for hybrids

Around ten years ago, the first vehicles with a mild-hybrid drive system were brought out, opening up a new dimension in efficiency and paving the way for the breakthrough of electric mobility. The belt-driven starter generator expanded the functions of the basic start/stop system while also allowing fuel-efficient coasting in traffic as soon as the driver released the accelerator. These systems additionally enabled recuperation – i.e. the recovery of energy while braking – and a boost mode for brief bursts of extra power, for example when accelerating or overtaking. The mild-hybrid models were a major success as a result and continue to be a common sight on roads today. 

To make sure workshops are ideally equipped for the associated repair tasks, we have beefed up our product range specifically for this purpose. 26 new multi V-belt kits are now available for models from manufacturers such as Volvo, Toyota and Mercedes. We already brought out another 50 new kits in September. This means that automotive professionals can now find products from Continental for around 260 million vehicles. Our full range offers solutions for virtually all popular high-volume models on Europe’s roads – including classics such as the Audi A4 2.0 TFSI MHEV (B9), for which the belts are available separately or as part of the 6PK1139 EXTRA K1 kit.