Delphi Automotive Systems (NYSE: DPH) has designed new technology that will make diesel engines cleaner and quieter to match the fuel economy gains typical of a diesel engine. This advance and several other new highlights help reduce emissions and improve customer satisfaction with more fuel-efficient vehicles.

DIESEL COMMON RAIL TECHNOLOGY
"It's a giant step in diesel engine technology," said Guy Hachey, Delphi Energy & Chassis Systems President. "Delphi's new direct-injection, common rail diesel engine components will reduce noxious emissions and obnoxious noise - two customer concerns with diesel engines. In addition, not only is this new technology cleaner and quieter, but it can improve performance as well."

The key to the breakthrough is the Accelerometer Pilot Control (APC), which guaranties optimum performances throughout the engine life.

"From the customer's perspective, they'll get more torque with reduced noise, lower emissions of polluting and greenhouse gases and improved fuel consumption as well. Further technology advances in the pipeline include non-thermal plasma and ion sense, both of which will bring significant advantages in fuel economy and emission levels," said Hachey.

FUEL CELLS
Another breakthrough in cleaner and more fuel-efficient cars and trucks is Delphi's fuel cell Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). This system being developed in conjunction with BMW and Renault, is a solid-oxide fuel-cell (SOFC) system to be used as an auxiliary power unit for cars, as well as light-duty trucks.

"These fuel cells will allow more electric and electronic features to be run off accessory power," said Hachey. "As many of the subsystems in the vehicle become electronically controlled - like steering, braking and suspension systems - the demand for power is increasing. These new fuel cells provide the added power to run these accessories and are more fuel efficient because the engine is only required to power the vehicle."

The new fuel cells are also more affordable than certain previous versions because they do not contain precious metals. The hydrogen produced by the reformer can also be mixed with fuel for more efficient combustion in the engine and significantly reduced emissions.

ADDITIONAL DELPHI ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS
Delphi has numerous other technologies and programs that help create a "greener" environment:

Air Quality Management Sensor - Identifies noxious odors outside the vehicle and filters them before they reach the interior.
Energen™ 5 Stop-Start System - A small vehicle generator that shuts off the engine when the vehicle is at idle - such as at a stoplight - and then quickly starts the engine via the accessory belt when the driver is ready to proceed. This new generator will improve fuel economy by more than 5 percent in small-engine vehicles during city driving and is applicable to engines that power approximately 8 million vehicles worldwide.
ISO 14001 Certification - Delphi is working to earn ISO 14001 certification for all 179 of its manufacturing facilities over the next three years. ISO 14001 is a global standard that recognizes facilities with systems in place to proactively manage and reduce their environmental impacts. Currently 17 of Delphi's 69 European facilities meet this standard and 29 are already in the process of certification.
Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems - Responding to the call for advanced, intelligent multi-feature thermal comfort systems that consume less power, Delphi has engineered a package of innovative approaches that includes various methods of minimizing the energy required to condition the vehicle's interior to the desired temperature. The result is an automatic climate control system that offers fuel economy improvement as high as six percent when the air conditioning is operational, while reducing vehicle emissions and providing significant enhancements to passenger comfort.

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