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PSA Peugeot Citroen and Delphi Sign Development Contract

2 October 2000

PSA Peugeot Citroen and Delphi Sign Development Contract On Non-Thermal Plasma Exhaust Aftertreatment

    PARIS, Sept. 29 At the Mondial de l'Automobile here, PSA
Peugeot Citroen and Delphi Automotive Systems announced they have
signed an innovation agreement to apply non-thermal plasma exhaust
aftertreatment (NTP) to future Peugeot Citroen vehicles.  The agreement
commits PSA Peugeot Citroen and Delphi to developments of technology for
future vehicle applications.
    NTP, which was developed by Delphi, reduces oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and
particulate emissions in direct injection gasoline and diesel engines.
    NTP devices produce high energetic electrons that collide with the
background gas molecules, producing radicals that promote selective partial
oxidation of NO to NO2.  The NO2 generated through the NTP is reduced by an
appropriate catalyst technology to non-harmful gasses.  In addition, this NO2
also enables a continuous regeneration of particulate filter, which eliminates
particulate matter, even the smallest ones.
    In steady-state testing of a diesel vehicle, the non-thermal plasma
exhaust aftertreatment system has demonstrated greater than 65 percent
reduction of oxides of nitrogen emissions without additional hydrocarbons to
the exhaust stream, greater than 85 percent with additional hydrocarbons, as
well as demonstrating a significant reduction in particulates.  Delphi has
focused on a breakthrough reactor design that is durable, compact and energy
efficient.
    This partnership will continue to develop NTP as a solution to allow
future Peugeot Citroen vehicles to satisfy Euro4 regulations beginning Jan. 1,
2005.
    "Last year Delphi's NTP was recognized at the Financial Times Global
Automotive Awards ceremony in Frankfurt, Germany," said Guy C. Hachey,
president of Delphi Energy & Chassis Systems.  "I am very pleased to be at
this year's Paris Mondial to announce the next advancement of this technology
through this important development agreement with PSA."