French Automaker Citroen Develops Stop and Start Idle-Eliminating Engine Technology

For 2005, Citroen will debut its new Stop & Start automatic motor shut-off system at the Paris Auto Salon alongside a variety

Citroen will debut its new Stop & Start automatic motor shut-off system at the Paris Auto Salon. (Photo: Citroen)

of redesigned and all-new models. The technology's origins date back to the first gasoline-electric hybrid motors, developed by Honda and Toyota, which utilized a series of batteries and electric power sources in order to stop and start the vehicle. While hybrid-electric cars still take advantage of auto shut-off systems, Citroen is the first to use it in a standard gasoline-powered vehicle. It doesn't require the complex electrics and specialized ancillary components that vehicles like the Toyota Prius feature, making implementation simple and easy.

Stop & Start works around a simple concept. As soon as the vehicle has reached a stop, it shuts the motor off, and moves into 'Standby' mode. Aside from not consuming any fuel, the vehicle is also quieter as the motor isn't running. The car will automatically start back up once pressure on the brake pedal has been relieved, allowing immediate hesitation-free progress forward. So far, Citroen has only tested the Stop & Start system on its C3 subcompact hatchback with a 1.4-liter inline-four gasoline

Consumers and fleet operators who live in Europe will benefit most from the new system. (Photo: Citroen)

motor. The French firm reports a 6 percent decrease in consumption during light traffic, 10 percent during city traffic and a whopping 15 percent decrease in fuel consumption compared to non Stop & Start models.

Who will benefit most from this innovative new system? Consumers and fleet operators who live in Europe will. In England, and many other countries, buyers are currently taxed by the weight (grams) of carbon dioxide released per kilometer driven, but a C3 equipped with Stop & Start could be a light at the end of the tunnel for savings: it slots into the lowest bracket which could help drivers avoid paying inner-city tolls based on their vehicle's emissions ratings.