Delphi Energy Researches New Engine Technologies For Environmentally Friendly Vehicles

28 April 1999
Delphi Energy Researches New Engine Technologies For Environmentally Friendly Vehicles
    FLINT, Mich., April 28 -- Delphi Energy & Engine Management
Systems has entered into a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) to research cleaner, more fuel-efficient automotive engine
technologies.
    Delphi Energy is one of 21 firms and educational institutions in nine
states that will be conducting this high-risk research that can lead to more
environmentally friendly ways to provide power to motor vehicles and/or
buildings.  The Delphi work helps support the U.S. auto industry and
government's Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles.  PNGV's goal is to
develop affordable technology for up to 80 mpg production prototype vehicles
by 2004.
    Donald L. Runkle, president of Delphi Energy, said Delphi will research
and develop "an advanced, direct-injection, low-pressure fuel-delivery
system."  He added that the award is for $3 million and runs for a 28-month
period -- from May 1, 1999, through Aug. 31, 2001.  Delphi Energy is one of
only two organizations selected by DOE in the gasoline direct-injection engine
research area.
    According to Jean J. Botti, technical director of Delphi Energy's Customer
Solution Center, the goal of this advanced research is to optimize fuel
economy and exhaust emissions.
    "We're looking at a system that will use a new generation of fuel
injectors to provide superior fuel atomization at low pressure, thereby
improving fuel economy and reducing emissions of C02 (carbon dioxide), which
is a greenhouse gas," Botti said.  "We want to provide automakers with a
cost-effective solution that can help the environment and improve fuel
economy."
    The technology would be applicable for all sizes of passenger cars, as
well as light-duty trucks and sport-utility vehicles, according to William S.
Warren, director of engineering.  Botti said he expects that the products
would be commercially viable in three years.
    Delphi Energy & Engine Management Systems is a division of Delphi
Automotive Systems, with lead responsibility for the generation, conversion
and storage of electrical energy; the flow of air and fuel into an engine; the
combustion process; and the cleaning of exhaust emissions. Headquartered in
Flint, Mich., the division employs more than 28,600 men and women in 27 wholly
owned manufacturing plants, 9 joint ventures, 11 engineering centers and 23
sales offices in 23 countries.
    Delphi Automotive Systems , with headquarters in Troy, Mich.,
USA, is a world leader in automotive component and systems technology.
Delphi's three business sectors -- Dynamics & Propulsion; Safety, Thermal &
Electrical Architecture; and Electronics & Mobile Communications -- provide
comprehensive product solutions to complex customer needs.  Delphi has more
than 195,000 employees and operates 168 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 39
joint ventures and 27 technical centers in 36 countries.  Regional
headquarters are located in Paris, Tokyo and Sao Paulo.
    Delphi can be found on the Internet at http://www.delphiauto.com.