ATSUGI, Japan - Jatco Ltd., a leading maker of fuel-efficient continuously variable transmissions, is seeking ways to make the pulley-style gearboxes more appealing to U.S. customers. The transmissions are a big hit in Japan. And they are more efficient than four- and five-speed automatics. But they still repel some drivers in other markets with their "rubber band" feel. And engineers still struggle to match the mechanical efficiency of some rival automatic drivetrains.
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