Delphi Automotive Systems (NYSE: DPH) has merged the high-tech world with the natural one by creating a complete portfolio of environmentally friendly vehicle systems, many of which offer drivers the added benefit of higher performance. These systems include enablers for future ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV) and zero emission vehicles (ZEV). Delphi is showcasing these systems, and other advanced technologies, to international consumer and automotive journalists at its technical center here today.

"At Delphi, we're constantly developing technologies that improve the driving experience -- both from the inside and outside perspective of the vehicle," said Donald L. Runkle, Delphi executive vice president and president of Delphi's Dynamics & Propulsion sector. "In addition to Delphi's products that improve driver comfort, safety and convenience, our engine, thermal and energy management systems improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, which ultimately help reduce the effects of global warming."

Delphi employs manufacturing processes that reduce dependence on natural resources and allow for products to be more easily recycled. Delphi also has a formal program called "Design for the Environment (DfE)," which evaluates the environmental impact of new products and processes.

The environmentally friendly systems developed by Delphi include:

Advanced Engine Management Systems (EMS) -- integrates technologies to help reduce emissions and improve fuel economy;

Advanced Thermal Management System-- improves the energy efficiency and helps lower the operating costs of onboard comfort control and engine cooling systems;

Energen™ Energy Management Systems -- a family of systems that increases the use of electric machines, power electronics and energy storage devices in cleaner, more efficient power sources;

and

E-STEER™ -- eliminates many of the conventional mechanical components of the steering system, reducing mass and energy demands on the vehicle.
"Delphi is a long-established leader in environmentally friendly initiatives," said Runkle. "This includes component recyclability throughout the life cycle of all our products, from manufacture to post-use disposal."

In pursuit of this goal, Delphi has established "Design for Recyclability" and "Design for Disassembly" programs to help ensure development of products that meet the environmental needs of customers worldwide.

Examples include the 100-percent recyclable thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) skin instrument panel, which earned Delphi the prestigious 1999 "Recycler of the Year" award from the Society of Plastics Engineers. Delphi also validated an in-plant recycling system for reprocessing the TPO skin up to seven times without loss of physical properties or performance, permitting the use of excess material for the instrument panel skins with zero waste.

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