Japanese automakers offer “idling stop”

Japanese automakers announced that they are offering “idling stop” systems in passenger vehicles, an environmentally friendly technology formerly offered only in a small range of commercial vehicles. Mazda Motor Corp. said it aims to make the idling stop function available in its fully remodeled Axela car to be launched in mid-2009. The company’s system offers an engine restart time of 0.35 second, half that of conventional systems, as well as less noise and vibration upon restarting. The idling stop system, used by taxis in Japan, is intended to boost fuel economy by 9%. Toyota Motor Corp. plans to install the system in a wider range of passenger cars sold in Europe, where tough fuel economy regulations are due to be introduced ahead of other regions. Mitsubishi Motors Corp. also aims to offer some of its European model Colt cars with an idling stop system this year. (January 22, 2009)