Land Rover has announced that it will be introducing stop-start technology on its Freelander range from May 2009, thus saving around 8% on the Co2 emissions, and taking the Freelander down a group on VED, which should help move a few more Freelanders off forecourts next year.
The technology for the stop-start was developed in-house, with a new engine management system coming from Bosch and an uprated starter from Denso. The stop-start option will be available on the 2.2 TD4, which accounts for nearly half of UK sales.
A spokesman for Land Rover said that this was Land Rover’s first step in creating a Land Rover that will eventually offer 60mpg and under 120g/km. Stop-start will only be available on manual cars initially, but will be rolled out across the range, including automatics, by 2011.
Phil Wiffin , who is Manager of stop-start at Land Rover, said:
“We’re saying this is the world’s first intelligent stop-start SUV. Fuel consumption in these conditions is improved by 12% which is a saving of GBP13 (about US$20) on a tank of diesel at today’s prices on a typical London test route.”
Land Rover Freelander - gets stop-start
He went on to say that in London, the average vehicle is stationary for more than 50% of its journey, making stop-start an extremely cost-effective addition.
This sort of technology, which is now widely proven, is the perfect way to cut costs and pollution in our cities. At no cost to the driver in terms of performance, the car becomes not just more economical, but less polluting in to the bargain.
Good move, Land Rover.
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