Siemens VDO Automotive Provides Diesel Expertise on Innovative Ford Mercury Meta One PZEV Diesel Hybrid Concept

DETROIT--Jan. 1, 20053, 2005--Siemens VDO Automotive's expertise in diesel engine control is being utilized by Ford Motor Co. on the global automaker's Mercury Meta One diesel-electric Hybrid concept currently on display at the 2005 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit.

"Siemens VDO Automotive is supporting this customer innovation by providing an advanced diesel engine control unit (ECU) and software that interfaces with Ford's Vehicle System Controller (VSC) architecture to optimize torque exchange between the diesel and electric powerplants," said Siemens VDO Automotive Vice-President Diesel Systems - North America Julian Dench. "The diesel ECU and software is based on the new Jaguar S Type Lion V6 EURO IV application, which is one of the most advanced diesel fuel delivery systems currently available on a luxury performance vehicle."

Clean diesel engines currently are being researched as possible powerplants to augment electric or fuel cell-powered motors in hybrid vehicles. The diesel engine's inherent robustness, fuel efficiency and superior torque makes it a viable alternative to gasoline engines when trying to realize the fuel and emissions reduction benefits of hybrid vehicles, while improving overall driving performance.

Developed by Ford Scientific Laboratory located in Dearborn, Mich., the Mercury Meta One concept uses the Siemens VDO Automotive-developed and enhanced engine control unit and software to manage the diesel internal combustion engine of the vehicle by interfacing with the Ford VSC. The diesel control system interacts with the VSC to enable the advanced benefits of a Hybrid Electric Vehicle, such as:

-- Start-stop system for further improved fuel efficiency - The system switches off the combustion engine at zero load as start/stop;

-- Engine assist for improved driving performance - The engines augment each other to provide additional acceleration on demand;

-- Regenerative braking for recharging the electric motor; and,

-- Further emission reduction by managing the diesel particulate filter.

"The VSC interfaces with the driver and interprets performance needs," said Dench. "It interacts with the diesel ECU to optimize the functionality of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. For example, the electric motor would serve as the diesel engine's starter."

Siemens VDO Automotive was invited to participate on the Mercury Meta One concept project in June 2004 as a result of the natural extension of the existing partnership between Siemens VDO Automotive and Ford. A team of diesel engine control and fuel delivery experts at the company's Auburn Hills and Dearborn, Mich. and Columbia, S.C. locations coordinated with Ford Scientific Laboratory to modify the Lion V6 diesel engine for the SRV05's dual powerplant system. In fact, Siemens VDO Automotive continues to support Ford on advancing both diesel and hybrid technology initiatives.

For additional information on the Mercury Meta One diesel-electric Hybrid concept, please visit www.ford.com or www.media.ford.com.

Siemens VDO Automotive is a tier-one supplier of automotive electronic/electrical systems and components with applications covering gasoline and diesel powertrain technologies, safety and chassis systems, body electronics, plus interior products including infotainment systems. Worldwide sales reflecting fiscal year 2003/2004 totaled $11.6 billion (EUR 9.0 billion). For more information: www.usa.siemensvdo.com.

Siemens AG is one of the largest global electronics and engineering companies with reported worldwide sales of $91.3 billion in fiscal 2004. Founded more than 150 years ago, the company is a leader in the areas of Automation and Control, Information and Communications, Lighting, Medical, Power and Transportation.

With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA has sales of $16.6 billion and employs 70,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Eleven of Siemens' worldwide businesses are based in the United States. With its global headquarters in Munich, Siemens AG and its subsidiaries employ 430,000 people in 192 countries. For more information on Siemens in the United States: www.usa.siemens.com.