42-Volt Systems to Change the World ... Consumers To Benefit

    WARRENDALE, Pa., Feb. 26 A technological revolution is
underway as global automotive engineers are busy developing 42-volt electrical
systems to replace current 14-volt vehicles.  An Executive Panel will address
the benefits and transitional challenges to adopting the 42-volt system during
the SAE 2001 World Congress, March 5-8, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan.

    "Power limits of current automobiles are almost maxed-out," says Norm
Traub, Director of the SAE Strategic Alliance (SSA) 42-Volt Initiative.
"Consumers want advanced safety, entertainment and communication features in
their vehicles, and 14-volt systems can not deliver enough electricity.
Forty-two volt systems will become a prerequisite for improved safety, comfort
and convenience, as well as regulatory requirements for reduced emissions and
fuel consumption."

    According to Traub, transition to 42-volt systems will take an
unprecedented, collaborative effort on behalf of the global automotive
industry.

    "Hundreds of automotive components will need to be reengineered to become
42- volt adaptable," Traub says. "Batteries, circuit protection devices,
switches, wiring harness-you name it-will need redesigned.  Dual voltage
systems (14- and 42-volt) will be designed as an interim solution."
"And there are service and repair issues associated with 42-volt. Technicians
will need retrained and new diagnostic systems developed. It's a huge
undertaking, but it must be accomplished."

    Industry predicts dual voltage electrical systems will begin appearing in
vehicles by 2005, with full implementation on all cars possibly taking up to
20 years.

    "Challenges and Benefits of Transitioning to 42-Volt Systems" begins
9 a.m., Tuesday, March 6, in Room M3-31, Cobo Center.  Part One, "Impact of
the Global Economy on the Implementation of 42-Volt Electrical Systems,"
addresses opportunities and challenges related to the transition.  Part Two,
"Service Issues for 42-Volt Systems," focuses on repair issues.  SSA is
organizing the panel in partnership with the Service Technicians Society
(STS).