Hybrid-less automakers fight back

Major auto manufacturers whose product lineups do not include gasoline-electric hybrid cars have introduced models equipped with other types of fuel-saving technologies in the hope of competing with Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co., both of which have enjoyed skyrocketing sales of their hybrid models. The company’s previous system took about 0.7 seconds to restart the engine after it is switched off, preventing a quick and easy restart, but Mazda developed technology that sets the pistons in the best positions for restarting. Mazda’s research shows that cars are stationary for about one-third of their urban driving time, so the new system can improve fuel consumption by 15 percent. CVT consists of a new pulley system that uses a belt-drive system that helps maintain the most fuel-efficient engine speed. The automaker increased the capacity of the new Legacy’s engine by 0.5 liters, but thanks to CVT and the control system, the model’s fuel consumption remains at about 14 kilometers per liter, the same as the previous Legacy model. Nissan Motor Co. also has improved the fuel efficiency of seven of its 14 CVT-equipped models through improved hydraulic controls related to engine speed. (June 20, 2009)