The French carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroën sought to strengthen its green credentials yesterday with the launch of a new system that cuts petrol consumption and emissions by automatically switching off the engine at traffic lights or in queues.
PSA says the "Stop & Start" system cuts fuel consumption by 10% in normal city driving and by up to 15% in traffic jams.
The system, which works with a semi-automatic gear box, cuts in as the driver brakes. As the car stops the engine is switched to stand-by mode, where it remains as long as there is pressure on the brake pedal. The engine restarts once the accelerator is depressed.
PSA says CO2 emissions, which the company describes as "the greatest threat to the environment", are cut by similar levels to fuel consumption and that noise levels are also reduced. The first model to be fitted with the system will be the Citroën C3. Other models will be equipped with the system at a later date. Stop & Start will be available in the UK next year.
Jean-Martin Folz, PSA chief executive, said: "Judging by some of the traffic conditions in some British cities, I would say there are going to be interesting savings in fuel costs."
