PSA COUV page . page RA GB - PEUGEOT Presse

E nvironmental Stewardship
WITH DELPHI SYSTEMS, HFC-FREE AIR CONDITIONING
As a growing number of carbuyers opt for the comfort of air conditioning, the proportion
of factory-equipped vehicles has surged from 5% in 1995 to 65% in 2000. Current air
conditioning systems use fluorinated gases, which have an adverse impact on the
stratospheric ozone layer. Their use will ultimately be banned.
In partnership with original equipment manufacturer Delphi Systems, PSA Peugeot
Citroën has attenuated these systems’ environmental impact by replacing the
hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) coolant gas used today with carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide
does not harm the ozone layer and its contribution to the greenhouse effect is half that
of HFC.
A “green” Peugeot 206 demonstration car equipped with the innovative new system
was acclaimed by the public at the last Frankfurt Auto Show.
In addition, all air conditioning systems in Peugeot and Citroën vehicles are equipped
with variable displacement compressors, which are more energy efficient than their
fixed counterparts. To further reduce fuel consumption, and with it CO 2 emissions,
electronically-controlled air conditioning is being extended across both model lineups.
Depending on weather conditions, this can reduce fuel consumption by two to three
liters over a 1,000-kilometer trip.
injection (1,250 to 1,600 bar at present)
have increased engine efficiency through
finer fuel spray in the combustion
chamber, without increasing fuel
consumption.
These gains are also being driven by the
Group’s sustained commitment to
“downsizing”, so that smaller, and
therefore more fuel efficient, engines
deliver equivalent performance as the
preceding larger models. The new 1.4-liter
HDI, for example, consumes 10% less fuel
than the previous generation 2-liter
powerplant, while continuing to provide
equivalent torque and power.
These technological innovations aimed at
lowering CO 2 emissions are being
supported by projects to decreasing vehicle
weight while maintaining optimum safety
performance.
Today, the Group’s model lineups include
cars that emit fewer than 120 grams of
CO 2 per kilometer, outperforming hybrid
vehicles currently on the market.
Even as advances are made with internal
combustion engines, ongoing research is
aimed at developing efficient, affordable
alternative vehicles. Both Peugeot and
Citroën have confirmed that their lineups
will be expanded in 2004 to include
efficient hybrid vehicles.
IMPROVING AIR QUALITY
Over the past 30 years, new vehicle
emissions have declined by 95%.
The final link in the emissions control chain,
the particle filter has further enhanced the
environmental performance of diesel
engines. PSA Peugeot Citroën is the only
carmaker in the world to offer particle filter
technology, in a clear demonstration of its
commitment to improving the quality of
air in urban environments. The filter, an
74
PSA PEUGEOT CITROËN - MANAGING BOARD REPORT