Delphi Launches Advanced Common Rail Diesel System with Ford

    PARIS, Feb. 28 Delphi Automotive Systems is to supply the
world's most advanced common rail diesel direct injection system for a new
generation of highly refined diesel cars now entering production.  The Delphi
Multec(TM) DCR 1400 will be fitted to the Ford Focus TDCi , which will be
launched in May.  Ford chose the Delphi system because of its outstanding
technology and emissions performance.
    
    "Ford will be one of the first vehicle manufacturers to use a high
performance second generation common rail direct injection system," said Jose-
Maria Alapont, president, Delphi Europe-Africa-Middle East and vice-president,
Delphi Automotive Systems Corporation.  "Our technology allows a substantial
advance in performance, economy, emissions and comfort.  It introduces levels
of refinement that compete on equal terms with the best gasoline engines."

    "We have a world-leading technology that is helping vehicle manufacturers
clearly differentiate their products," Alapont added.  "With Ford, we have
demonstrated the capabilities of these technologies and the tremendous
potential that they offer.  Furthermore, we strengthened our leading position
by developing highly innovative technologies and being first to market in
environmental areas such as alternative energies, combustion control and
exhaust aftertreatment."

    To achieve this exceptional performance, Delphi has invested in developing
a number of unique technical innovations.

    Leading these is the introduction of the first closed-loop control system
for diesel engines; called Accelerometer Pilot Control (APC), which allows the
Engine Management System to analyse the quality of the combustion.
Information from the APC allows injection to be adjusted as conditions change,
ensuring that the system is always correctly calibrated.

    The major benefit of APC, combined with Delphi's new generation, fast-
acting compact solenoid injector, is that it allows exceptionally precise
control of pilot injection.  These tiny volumes of fuel, injected before the
main injection pulse, smooth the start of combustion, eliminating the pressure
spikes that produce the 'clatter' associated with previous generation diesels.

    Existing technologies can provide a single pilot-injection event with a
volume of around 1-2 cubic millimeters at low injection pressures, but
typically suffer from reduced metering accuracy during their life on the car,
at idle or higher pressure.  Engine designers need both low pressures for
quiet idle and higher pressures because this allows cylinders to be fuelled
more quickly and to have a better spray pattern, leading to improved torque
and reduced smoke.  The Delphi system allows pilot volumes across the pressure
range that remains stable between injectors throughout the engine life.

    A second significant innovation is the introduction of an inlet-metering
valve that controls the amount of fuel being pressurised.  When the full
pressure is not required, less energy is expended, leading to further fuel
economy gains.  The technique also allows a cost saving through the
elimination of fuel cooling systems.  The use of Delphi's fast actuation on
the injector control valve also eliminates the need for a costly and
inefficient rail pressure discharge valve.

    To manufacture its revolutionary diesel injection system, Delphi has a
super-clean facility in La Rochelle, France, for the injector and final
assembly and Barcelona, Spain, for the pump.  "We have paid particular
attention to quality, aiming for a long and reliable service life," said Guy
C. Hachey, president of Delphi Energy & Chassis Systems.  "Using the Delphi
Manufacturing System we have been able to ensure very high first-time quality
levels and lean, efficient manufacturing processes."

    Dominique Chauvin, European managing director of Delphi Energy and Chassis
Systems expects the Delphi injection system to maintain its outstanding
refinement throughout its life.  "APC allows engines fitted with Delphi
injection systems to recalibrate as their characteristics change, eliminating
completely this problem," he said.

    According to Chauvin, Delphi expects that in 2005 diesel will account for
more than 40 percent of European new car sales compared with around 35 percent
today.  Delphi is the only technology supplier worldwide with the capability
to provide a complete solution, including injection systems, engine management
systems, emissions control and fuel handling systems.