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Delphi to Use its Automotive Batteries for Y2K Backup

17 December 1999

Delphi to Use its Automotive Batteries for Y2K Backup

    FLINT, Mich., Dec. 16 -- While anticipating a smooth
transition into the year 2000, Delphi Energy & Engine Management Systems is
setting up special Delphi-manufactured automotive battery systems to use as a
backup in case of a power failure at its Y2K command center in Flint, Mich.,
and its backup command center in Dayton, Ohio, according to Donald L. Runkle,
president of Delphi Energy & Engine Management Systems.
    The command centers are two of several that Delphi Automotive Systems
has established around the world to ensure continued
communications and implementation of contingency plans in the unforeseen event
Delphi experiences operational disruption due to Y2K.
    The batteries being used are absorbent glass mat batteries produced by
Delphi Energy & Engine Management Systems, an internationally recognized
battery supplier.  Delphi-produced batteries with this new AGM technology have
two times the life of a regular lead-acid battery, according to Ronald M.
Pogue, director of battery business for Delphi Energy.  In addition, they're
spill-free, which makes them safe and environmentally friendly, he added.
    "At Delphi we don't anticipate any problem with past, current or future
products or any significant disruption of our business as a result of the year
2000," Runkle said.  "Delphi is working to maintain uninterrupted electronic
communications with its customers, suppliers and other companies with which it
does business."
    The battery sets will be used to power computer systems and lighting in
the command centers in case of a power failure.
    The Flint site will have a set of 15 batteries that are connected in
parallel, with a 1,000-watt inverter.  There will also be an identical
battery/inverter in case the need for alternative power lasts longer than
anticipated or if the loads required are higher than expected.
    Powering the Dayton command center in case of a power failure will be two
sets of two batteries connected in parallel, with a 300-watt inverter.  There
will be an additional set in case the needs are greater than anticipated.
    Delphi has a long history of producing batteries for automotive, marine
and other transportation uses, but has also supplied more than a million
batteries for standby power, uninterrupted power systems, cable TV and solar
power applications, according to Pogue.
    Delphi Automotive Systems, with headquarters in Troy, Mich., USA, is a
world leader in automotive component and systems technology.  Delphi's three
business sectors -- Dynamics & Propulsion; Safety, Thermal & Electrical
Architecture; and Electronics & Mobile Communications -- provide comprehensive
product solutions to complex customer needs.  Delphi has approximately 201,000
employees and operates 168 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 38 joint
ventures, 51 customer centers and sales offices, and 27 technical centers in
37 countries.  Regional headquarters are located in Paris, Tokyo and Sao
Paulo, Brazil.  Delphi can be found on the Internet at
http://www.delphiauto.com