Last seen in a non-hybrid Ford vehicle in 2007 (Five Hundred and Freestyle), the CVT could make a return in an effort to improve fuel economy.
"We've had some experience with CVTs and it wasn't all good," said Raj Nair, Ford's global product development chief. "They are getting better. And we are taking another look, particularly in the low torque applications. There may be some [potential] there."
Nair didn't specify whether Ford would build its own or buy a CVT from a supplier.
CVTs are enjoying a growth in popularity in North America with companies like Nissan, Honda, Audi, Subaru and others using them to save fuel.
At the same time, drivers are getting tired of manual transmissions: Fewer than 5% of all cars sold in the continent are equipped with manuals, according to IHS Automotive.
Source: Automotive News