Delphi Leads Europe Conference on 42-Volt Systems

28 March 2000
Delphi Leads Europe Conference on 42-Volt Systems

    TROY, Mich., March 28 Delphi Automotive Systems
will host leading European automakers and suppliers at an industry
conference in Munich, Germany, starting today to discuss the emergence of 42-
volt electrical systems as a means to meet future consumer demands.
    Delphi is a co-sponsor of the two-day conference titled "42-Volt:  From
Innovation to Integration."  More than 400 participants from 20 companies are
expected to attend the conference, March 28-29.
    "Our industry is on the verge of making enormous breakthroughs in mobile
multimedia, safety, drive-by-wire systems, and other technologies that require
increased electrical energy and power needs," said Jose Maria Alapont,
president, Delphi Automotive Systems Europe.  "To address those needs,
automakers and suppliers must work together to successfully implement enablers
such as 42-Volt systems, integrated electrical/electronic architectures, fuel
cells, and more."
     Delphi engineers will present two technical presentations on enabling
technologies.  Dr. Jean Botti, worldwide director of Delphi Energy & Chassis
Systems' Customer Solution Center, will discuss how fuel cells may be used as
a power source or as a generator replacement.  Dr. Nady Boules and Worthington
Heck, both Delphi engineering managers, will discuss how 42-volt systems will
further optimize drive-by-wire and steer-by-wire technologies.
    "The developing 42-volt systems will enable the creation of new
technologies that previously would have been impractical or impossible," Botti
said.
    The higher voltages from 42-volt systems will allow engineers to design
electro-magentic valvetrains that will provide lower emissions, optimum power,
and lower cost, according to Botti.  Advanced Ride and Handling technologies
will also be enabled by these 42-volt systems.
    Implementation of integrated starter-generator 42-volt systems will allow
engines to start faster while delivering improved fuel economy and lower noise
and vibration.
    Delphi is currently developing 42-volt and dual 14-/42-volt system
solutions and Integrated Vehicle Electrical/Electronics (IVEES) architecture
to increase electrical power and efficiency and to incorporate additional
loads and new technologies.  For each of these systems, Delphi's focus is on
determining optimum, cost effective solutions, Botti said.
    Delphi Automotive Systems, headquartered in Troy, Mich., USA, is a multi-
national leader in transportation and mobile electronics components and
systems technology.  Delphi's three business sectors -- Dynamics & Propulsion;
Safety, Thermal & Electrical Architecture; and Electronics & Mobile
Communication -- provide comprehensive product solutions to complex customer
needs. Delphi has approximately 214,200 employees, and operates 178 wholly
owned manufacturing sites, 41 joint ventures, 53 customer centers and sales
offices and 27 technical centers in 39 countries.  Regional headquarters are
located in Paris, Tokyo and Sao Paulo, Brazil.  Delphi can be found on the
Internet at http://www.delphiauto.com