Delphi Strengthens Environmental Portfolio with New Technology Introductions

TROY, Mich., Aug. 24, 2005 -- Delphi Corp. will showcase a range of new technologies that will help vehicle manufacturers improve almost every aspect of automotive environmental performance at the 61st International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany on September 13.

Covering technologies as diverse as diesel fuel injection, air conditioning and electrical cabling, they show the commitment of Delphi and the automotive industry to protecting our environment.

"The automotive industry has made tremendous advances in environmental performance over the past few decades," comments Volker Barth, president of Delphi Europe, Middle East and Africa and vice president, Delphi Corporation. "But despite this we are continuing to press the boundaries, to seek more and better improvements. We are particularly proud to introduce some significant new developments here at the IAA."

CO2 reduction

One of the most pressing requirements is for rapid reduction in tailpipe emissions of CO2. ACEA, the European vehicle manufacturer's trade body, has committed the industry to achieving average CO2 emissions of just 140 g/km by 2008, which is very ambitious. The rapid growth in the proportion of diesel vehicles has helped enormously but this is now flattening out. To achieve this target, there will have to be rapid and substantial advances in both diesel and gasoline technology.

"The biggest issues are cost and consumer acceptance of downsized engines, even those that retain the performance drivers require," says Jose Avila, European managing director of Delphi Energy & Chassis Systems. "Delphi has a very different approach from other technology suppliers. We believe in ongoing development of proven technologies to meet these challenges, taking big technological leaps only when the benefits are substantial. In this way we are helping our customers offer class-leading refinement, performance and emissions whilst controlling costs and helping to protect their reputations."

An excellent example of this is Delphi's portfolio of common rail diesel injection systems. The company believes that through thorough system design, it is able to offer the best balance between system cost and performance, using upgraded, proven solenoid injectors that deliver performance comparable to rival suppliers' servo piezo injectors. This system can help vehicle manufacturers achieve Euro V. Delphi's new direct acting system, previewed last year, jumps a generation to take full advantage of the very fast actuation possible when piezo technology is fully exploited. Using a unique direct acting configuration, the Delphi system allows dramatically reduced spacing between injection events, giving engine designers full freedom to shape the flow of fuel throughout the combustion stroke.

"With our direct acting technology, combustion efficiency will take a big step forward," concludes Avila. "Engine designers will be able stay with evolutions of this system well into the next decade and still meet all emissions requirements world-wide."

Delphi is also working on a wide range of sensing, engine management and emissions control systems for gasoline and diesel engines, including an Auxiliary Power Unit that uses a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell to generate electricity more efficiently than a conventional mechanical generator. Other advanced Delphi technology in this area includes PEM fuel cells for traction applications, hybrid vehicle technology, and innovative new systems for particulates reduction.

At IAA, Delphi will also introduce a new Medium Duty Common Rail system that addresses the growing need worldwide for engines from four to nine litres that offer low emissions and car-type refinement combined with the durability and economy demanded by professional vehicle users.

Alternative refrigerants

Delphi is continuing its investigation into possible future air conditioning refrigerants to help reduce environmental impact and help meet pending European legislation. A variety of alternative refrigerant air conditioning systems are being developed and tested to find the best option for the environment and for Delphi's customers.

Delphi has linked its global technical and business teams to coordinate developments in response to this environmental challenge. As part of this strategy, its team in Europe has taken the lead in the development of CO2 systems.

In Europe, Delphi is developing CO2 technology, as it is the alternative of choice of many car manufacturers there. In order to support customers globally, Delphi will continue to actively pursue multiple solutions and conduct robust evaluation of the costs and benefits of each alternative refrigerant.

Vehicle-wide commitment

Emissions reduction may be the most widely discussed area of environmental advance, but suppliers such as Delphi are also working in many other areas. Take cabling as an example. With growing electrical content, the size, weight, cost and environmental performance of cabling is increasingly important.

Delphi's new PPO (polyphenylene oxide) cable is believed to be the most significant breakthrough in cable insulation technology for more than 30 years. As well as being halogen-free and fully recyclable, its toughness allows the insulation thickness to be reduced, making it both lighter and more compact that previous generation cables.

Materials choice is also an important factor in interior design, where quality and style must continue to increase alongside environmental performance. Delphi's new Slush Cast Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) skin provides a high quality finish similar to sprayed urethane but at a fraction of the cost and with environmental performance that is in many areas superior to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) including easier end-of-life recycling.

"These are just a few of the many hundreds of innovative technologies that Delphi is developing to help vehicle manufacturers reduce the environmental impact of their products and processes," concludes Volker Barth. "We are on the cusp of major changes in the way that vehicles work and the features, safety benefits and environmental performance they offer."

For more information about Delphi, visit the Virtual Press Room is at http://www.delphi.com/media