Industry Showcases Diesel Technology Benefits at USCAR Event

TROY, Mich., May 21 -- Delphi Corp.and other automotive industry leaders will showcase their diesel technologies today at the USCAR ride and drive in Washington, D.C. The event will highlight advanced clean diesel cars and light-duty vehicle technologies. Leading Washington, D.C. decision-makers will experience diesel engine technology as a clean, quiet and economical power source.

The event provides an opportunity for members of Congress and their respective staffs, as well as other government officials, to talk with executives and engineers from the Big Three vehicle manufacturers and 12 international suppliers about diesel advancements and experience the improved performance characteristics of today's diesel technology.

Delphi engineers, USCAR participants and members of the Diesel Technology Forum believe diesel engines offer important advantages for consumers, the environment and the automotive industry, including:

Fuel efficiency - on average, diesel uses 30-40 percent less fuel than gasoline for the same amount of work Low emissions - inherently low in hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions; better fuel economy means fewer greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) than gasoline Performance - excellent acceleration, better towing capability Durability - engine design means longer life and reliability International acceptance - more than 30 percent of new European vehicle purchases have diesel engines "Today's diesel technology, like Delphi's common rail fuel injection system, brings significant performance advancements over past diesel engines, making diesel a clean, quiet and viable transportation alternative," said Scott Bailey, director of engineering, Delphi Energy & Chassis Systems. "Advanced electronic combustion controls, fuel injection systems and turbochargers optimize performance and reduce exhaust emissions, resulting in dramatically reduced smoke and odor, less noise and smoother combustion compared with diesel engines from 15 years ago."

In the U.S. less than one percent of passenger car / light truck vehicles sold use diesel fuel. About 60 percent of registered heavy-duty trucks use diesel fuel.

"Within the next 10 years, diesel engines will be even more efficient, offering no perceptible smoke or odor, further reduced noise, near zero exhaust emissions and smoother combustion," said Jean Botti, chief technologist, Delphi Innovation Center. "Delphi is actively working to develop advanced diesel technologies to deliver efficient, reliable engine technologies that require less fuel and helps reduce the vehicle's impact on the environment."

Delphi's current and advanced diesel technologies include:

Complete common rail engine management systems including fast-response Multec(TM) injectors Model based, intelligent electronic control of diesel engine management systems Electronically controlled exhaust gas recirculation valves (EGR) Diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) Catalyzed diesel particulate filter (CDPF) Lean NOx Trap (LNT) Delphi's diesel innovations are developed at six R&D technical centers located in the U.S. and Europe. Delphi's diesel business enhances Delphi's system and product capabilities and complements its gasoline engine management systems product offerings.