Bosch reaches milestone for fuel-saving technology

Bosch has produced its five millionth start/stop starter in Hildesheim after it started production of the fuel-saving technology in 2007.

“Start/stop is a cost-effective way to reduce fuel consumption considerably,” said Dr Ulrich Kirschner, president of the Bosch Starter Motors and Generators division. “We are expecting every second new car in Europe to be fitted with a start/stop system by 2013.”

Currently, this is true of one new car in three. Almost all European automakers are now integrating Bosch start/stop technology into compact cars, premium sedans, and even powerful sports cars.

In the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), start/stop systems reduce fuel consumption, and thus CO2 emissions, by up to 5%. In the NEDC urban cycle, the saving is as much as 8%.

In heavy urban traffic, especially during peak hours, the potential saving is even greater.