Valeo wins 2008 Automechanika Innovation Award for StARS Micro-Hybrid system
The city of Frankfurt is celebrating the Automechanika trade show which is focused on aftermarket equipment. During this exhibition, awards are handed out and one went to autoparts maker Valeo, which got the Automechanika Innovation Award for its StARS Micro-Hybrid System, also called Stop&Start.
Currently found in the Citroën C2 and C3, the Mercedes A and B class and the smart mhd, the StARS is a mild hybrid system that shuts off the engine at stops and starts it back once the gas pedal is pressed or the first gear is engaged. The result are noticeable gas savings in city traffic, where stop and go kicks in more frequently. The good news - and the reason why Valeo got this award - is that StARS can now be purchased aftermarket and retrofitted for existing cars.
Gallery: Citroën C2, C3 and C3 Pluriel
[Source: Valeo]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chris 7:50AM (9/19/2008)
Isn't this the same as GMC's BAS but with a supercap. instead of a small battery pack?
Reply
RJ 8:50AM (9/19/2008)
Sound like the Retrofit Hybrid-Electric System that seems like it will never actually happen:
http://www.sigmaautomotive.com/electrocharger/electrocharger.php
It says it is available aftermarket. I will have to look into it.
Reply