Mazda to put idling stop feature on full line-up by 2015

Mazda Motor Corp. plans to install its idling stop function on all of its new automobiles by Fiscal 2015. The automaker, whose domestic and European vehicles already incorporate this feature, is looking into extending it to vehicles in north America and China. The idling stop feature has sensors in the engine that specify in which cylinder to begin combustion when the vehicle is stopped. By regulating the piston to the optimal position in the cylinder, the company shortened the time to restart to 0.35 seconds, half as long as other companies’ technology. Mazda is aiming to improve average fuel economy in all its cars by 30% by Fiscal 2015. (March 24, 2010)