Delphi and Total Sign Research Agreement to Develop Advances In Auto Engine Equipment Technologies and Petroleum Products
PARIS, Oct. 7, 2003 -- Delphi Corp. and Total are continuing their research and development collaboration and have signed on October 3, a framework research and development agreement, to study more environmentally-friendly advances in engine equipment, fuels and petroleum products for the automotive industry.
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The initial phase for this first-ever research collaboration by the two companies will study the impact of fuels and additives on the performance of new diesel injection systems. The agreement extends an existing research program on fuel cells begun in April 2001, and comes in anticipation of Euro V legislation, expected to be effective in 2008, which constitutes the next phase in reducing the required level of emissions of exhaust gases.
This agreement supports Total's refining and marketing strategy to form partnerships and cooperation agreements with car and equipment manufacturers for the development of cleaner fuels, lubricants, and other specialities, to meet customer expectations for longer lasting engines, improved air quality, and better fuel economy.
Total's research and development efforts in refining and marketing are focused on:
- evaluating new refining processes that are more efficient and environmentally friendly in order to produce ultra-low sulfur fuels
- improving the quality of high-end, finished products by adjusting their composition and selecting exclusive additives
Delphi has achieved great success as a manufacturer of diesel injection systems since the launch of its diesel common rail in 2000. Delphi's more efficient, second generation Multec(TM) and future Piezotec systems will help further reduce emissions and fuel consumption by diesel engines.
In the past ten years, Delphi has become a recognized industry leader in fuel cell development through the introduction of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), technology which allows auxiliary power units in vehicles and stationary applications, similar to power generation units to reduce noise, emissions, and fuel consumption.
This agreement provides significant support from Total in testing and technical knowledge of fuel sources and fluid options, which will strengthen Delphi's expertise in automotive fuel systems and SOFC. The collaboration will help both companies design more environmentally friendly solutions for the automotive sector.
Total SA is the world's fourth-largest private oil and gas company with activities in more than 120 countries covering the entire oil and gas chain, from exploration and production, trading and shipping and refining and marketing to gas and electricity. The company is Europe's largest refiner and a leading chemicals company through its Atofina branch and employs 120,000 worldwide. Total can be found on the Internet at www.total.com .
Delphi is a world leader in mobile electronics and transportation components and systems technology. Multi-national Delphi conducts its business operations through various subsidiaries and has headquarters in Troy, Mich., USA, Paris, Tokyo and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Delphi's two business sectors -- Dynamics, Propulsion and Thermal Sector and Electrical, Electronics, Safety & Interior Sector -- provide comprehensive product solutions to complex customer needs. Delphi has approximately 188,000 employees and operates 167 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 42 joint ventures, 53 customer centers and sales offices and 32 technical centers in 41 countries. Delphi can be found on the Internet at www.delphi.com .
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