i just restocked on my a/c belts, contitech avx13x975. all my other contitech belts on the shelf, more than 10, are all made in germany.

these new belts say engineered in germany, made in china. i wrote to contitech explaining my displeasure with auto parts made in china and how i avoid using them.

for example, i have 2 volvo badge for the fenders (badges for 240s <=1984), not the newer badges that covers the side marker lights. one is made in sweden, and the other is made in china. both are original volvo parts. the badge made in sweden is taller, better polished and more precisely cut. the volvo badge made in china, is shorter (thickness), less quality polish (see tiny flaws in the metal) and not as shiny.

i bought one the badges online (nos) and the other from skandix. the skandix in-the-volvo-bag part is made in china. at least they are still manfacturing this >30 year old part.

so, i question the quality control of parts made in china, even though they are from oem, or even volvo parts!

i'm a bit disappointed in contitech, but i guess that's just one more mfr moving to china.

i did buy an a/c belt to put on while i was waiting for these belts from fcp were coming. it is a 13x975 belt, but it's fitting a little above the pulley, but it's made in the usa.

regards,
byron golden
86 245
92 245
94 940

I bought the new Gates XL belts via Rockauto for that reason. They are all made in the USA and appear to have superior technology to the Contis. They are more expensive. For what it's worth, FCPEuro is still selling "made in Germany" Contitech belts.

Hi,

On FCP's website, beside where they indicate country of origin, there's a question mark in blue. If you click it you'll see a disclaimer that says
" We think it might be made here, but we give no guarantee because we don't know where the hell people are making their parts these days."

Peter