"Start-Stop" An innovation... and a byword for economy, silence and pure air!

Paris (ots/PRNewswire) - In a world première, the Valeo
starter-alternator and its Start-Stop function equip a version of the
Citroën C3 presented at the 2004 Paris Autoshow. Other carmakers, on
all the continents, are also working with Valeo on the introduction
of such a system. This innovation, which reduces pollution (both
sound and atmospheric) in cities, improves cabin comfort and reduces
fuel consumption, won the Epcos/SIA Trophy's Grand Prix of the Jury
in June 2004.

The Start-Stop starter-alternator uses the system's capacity to
stop and then restart the engine immediately and silently. This
technology therefore saves fuel and avoids pollution when the vehicle
stops at a red light or in a traffic jam. The vehicle starts up again
quietly and automatically as soon as it is put in gear or, for
automatic vehicles or those with robotized gearbox when the foot is
released from the brake. The system operates discreetly without
disrupting the driver's normal driving habits.

Making driving peaceful, economical and environmentally-friendly

For the vehicle user the advantages are numerous: as soon as the
vehicle stops, the engine cuts off, thereby eliminating all sources
of noise and pollutant emissions, while also reducing fuel
consumption.

In built-up areas, when vehicles are generally at a halt for
nearly 35% of driving time, the reduction in fuel consumption using
Start-Stop is 6-12%.

The system's electronics also improve the alternator's performance
when producing electricity, which again means less fuel consumption
and less carbon dioxide emissions.

A highly original operating mode

Valeo has innovated by integrating the functions of an alternator
and starter in a single system operating at 14 volts (the traditional
voltage for vehicles). Thanks to electronics and software
specifically developed to combine these two functions, the
performance of Valeo's starteralternator is significantly better than
for a starter and alternator operating separately.

In starter mode, the belt drive and low inertia of the machine
mean that the vehicle starts silently and three times more quickly
than with a traditional starter.

In alternator mode, the machine outputs up to 180 amps of
electricity at a rate of 85%, over 15% more than a conventional
alternator.

A promising future

Thanks to its unobtrusive architecture, this solution is easy to
install on any vehicle powered by gasoline or diesel. The
starter-alternator is fitted in the place of the conventional
alternator and uses the same fixings thus freeing up the space where
the starter normally goes.

These major benefits should favor the development of this
innovation which can be associated with a manual, robotized or
automatic gearbox.

Rückfragehinweis:
Contact: Sophie Porte, Telephone number: +33-(0)1-40-55-37-68,
E-mail: [email protected]; Other Contact Alexandre Telinge,
+33-6-16-23-86-91

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