Execs predict wide use of start-stop technology

Detroit Free Press

DETROIT — A key piece of technology from gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles will become almost universal in new cars within five to 10 years, top environmental executives from Chrysler LLC, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. predicted.

The technology, called autostop or start-stop, automatically switches the engine off but keeps accessories such as climate control and the radio running when a car is idling.

It reduces fuel consumption and emissions.

All hybrids today use the system, but demands for higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions will lead to its use on virtually all vehicles, the experts said recently in announcing NextCruise, an event that will showcase alternate-fuel vehicles.

“Start-stop will not just be in hybrids any more within five years,” said Jay Iyengar, Chrysler senior manager of hybrid system integration.

“In 10 years, you’ll be looked at as low-tech if your car runs at idle,” she said, adding that some cities are already considering banning vehicles whose engines run when stationary.

“It will begin with heavy trucks, but it will spread,” she said.