Automobile automatic transmissions (with the exception of Honda transmissions) have also used planetary gearing since their introduction in the 1930s. The Prius

Automobile automatic transmissions (with the exception of Honda transmissions) have also used planetary gearing since their introduction in the 1930s. The Prius is innovative because of its design utilizing MG2 to alter the output speed continuously, not because of its use of planetary gears. At any rate the Rohloff hub is really cool, and I'm glad the technology has finally trickled down into popular, attainably priced planetary gear hubs like the Shimano Nexus as well.