This paper deals with the optimum high pressure control algorithm for a transcritical $CO_2$ mobile air-conditioning system with belt-driven compressor to achieve the maximum COP. The experiments were performed to find out the maximum COP conditions with various operating conditions. The experimental results showed that the COP was increased and then decreased with increase of the refrigerant high pressure for the system. Therefore the value of high pressure which has maximum COP could be selected. Furthermore, the strong (linear) relation between the optimum high pressure and the gas cooler outlet temperature was revealed, which suggests the use of a simple controller with only one parameter for the transcritical $CO_2$ cycle.