Start-Stop: Innovating for Driving Pleasure, Fuel Economy, Silence, and Clean Air

FRANKFURT, Germany, September 13 -- The Citroën C3 Stop&Start, fitted with StARS, Valeo's starter-alternator, has now been launched in Germany. This innovation helps to reduce both noise pollution and emissions in built-up areas as well as improving cabin comfort and reducing fuel consumption.

- Using engine power when strictly necessary

The StARS starter-alternator is based on the system's ability to stop and start the engine silently and instantly. This technology eliminates fuel consumption and pollutant emissions when the vehicle is stationary and starts the engine quietly and automatically as soon as the driver engages a gear or releases the brake pedal. StARS's discreet intervention requires no change in driving habits.

- Making driving peaceful, economical, and environmentally friendly

StARS offers motorists a number of advantages - as soon as the vehicle stops, the engine shuts off, eliminating all noise and pollutant emissions, as well as fuel consumption.

In built-up areas, vehicles are at a standstill for nearly 35 % of driving time, and Start-Stop can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 10 to 15% in these conditions.

- A unique operating principle

This Valeo innovation combines the functions of the starter and the alternator in a single unit using a conventional 14V supply. Using electronics and software that have been specifically developed to combine these functions, Valeo's starteralternator offers a performance that far exceeds that of separate starters and alternators.

The system's belt-drive and low inertia not only make it highly reliable, but also enable it to start the engine silently and three times faster than a standard starter.

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

- A promising future

With its non-invasive architecture, this solution is easy to install on any gasoline or diesel engine, and is fitted in the same place as a standard alternator, using the same attachment points, and leaving the starter position free.

These major advantages should encourage the adoption of this innovation, which can be used with a manual, robotized, or automatic gearbox.