Delphi Secures New Common Rail Diesel Injection System Customer

Delphi strengthens position as world's No. 2 diesel systems supplier with major new contract

PARIS, June 2 -- Delphi Corp. continues to strengthen its position as the No. 2 diesel systems supplier in the world with the addition of DaimlerChrysler to the company's customer portfolio.

Delphi has been awarded a contract with DaimlerChrysler to develop and supply a complete diesel common rail and engine management system for a current and future Mercedes engine range.

This is Delphi's first diesel common rail application with DaimlerChrysler and the first time that DaimlerChrysler has entrusted a supplier with turnkey, complete systems responsibility, including components software and calibration.

The first phase of the project covers the applications engineering and supply of Delphi's diesel common rail (DCR) 1600 system for passenger cars. Further phases are planned to extend the application to an additional vehicle.

"We are delighted that DaimlerChrysler is relying on Delphi to provide such an important part of their core diesel engine program. This is a tremendous achievement for our diesel team and demonstrates our technological prowess and commitment to develop top-notch technology," said Guy C. Hachey, president, Delphi Energy & Chassis. "DaimlerChrysler looked very carefully at our complete systems capability and product innovation. They were particularly interested in our high-technology roadmap and our calibration expertise. It gave them confidence that Delphi will be able to support them with advanced diesel common rail solutions into the future."

The new system provides high injection pressure, improved nozzle design, superior hydraulic stability and enhanced software strategies. Delphi's DCR 1600 delivers more complete combustion and provides more accurate control of very small volumes of fuel, introducing the option of up to five injection events. One of the many benefits is a reduction in NOx of up to 30 percent through the introduction of a late-pilot injection event.

"Delphi's goal is to achieve this without compromising fuel economy or drivability and to give Mercedes the option of achieving low particulate emissions," said Volker Barth, vice president Delphi Corp. and president, Delphi Europe, Middle East and Africa.

  Delphi's diesel engine management system portfolio includes:
  -- fuel injection systems (common rail, rotary injection systems,
     electronic unit injection systems, and electronic unit pump systems)
  -- Engine Control Units (ECUs)
  -- air management systems (exhaust gas recirculation valves, sensors)
  -- and exhaust aftertreatment systems (catalysts, non-thermal plasma)

Delphi's Common Rail technology already has attracted substantial business with customers such as Renault-Nissan, Ford and PAG (Jaguar), Hyundai-Kia, Ssangyong, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Tata Motors, Suzuki/Santana, and four other undisclosed customers. In 2004, Delphi's Diesel sales totaled roughly $1.5 billion.