In a move to improve fuel efficiency across the range, Ford said on Monday it will introduce its new Auto Start Stop system, which is found today on the Fusion and Escape Hybrids and some Ford cars in Europe, to conventional cars, crossovers and SUVs in North America.
The system, which automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop, is said to offer gains as high as 10 percent for some drivers, depending on vehicle size and usage, while also reducing tailpipe emissions to zero when the vehicle is stationary.
"For the driver, Ford Auto Start-Stop provides extra fuel efficiency without inconvenience, as it works completely automatically," said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Powertrain engineering. "And, just like in our hybrid vehicles, the heater, and air conditioner work as normal so drivers will not sacrifice comfort."
The fuel-saving technology is designed to work on both gasoline and diesel engines, and is standard on the ECOnetic models of the European market Ka and Mondeo series, and is launching now on Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX. The fuel-saving system debuts in North America in 2012 and eventually will be offered in all of Ford's global markets.
