Gates OE profile has increased drastically with news that the innovative technologies that helped win the Geneva Motor Show's coveted Car of The Year award 2012 includes Stretch Fit belts from Gates.

The electrically powered Opel Ampera and its US counterpart the Chevrolet Volt, use Stretch Fit belt technology in their drive systems.

Stretch Fit belts render belt tensioners superfluous, reducing the metal content and the overall construction costs. The subsequent weight reduction and improved engine efficiency makes a contribution to lowering fuel emissions.

Gates currently supplies 41 Stretch Fit belt references to the UK aftermarket. In addition to the belts, Gates has developed four re-usable tools that provide support across all 41 belts in the range.