|
 |
|
|
Ixetic's R744 compressor attracts great attention
|
|
|
Following ixetic’s recent announcement about the production of CO2 compressors (see related article on R744.com), the company is presenting their latest model at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
|
|
|
2007-09-14 ixetic stand
|
|
ixetic is the first automotive supplier to present a production-ready CO2 compressor that satisfies the legislation on environmentally friendly air conditioning, which will start taking effect in Europe in 2011.
The CO2 compressor is receiving great attention at the Auto Show in Frankfurt, not only from European media and industry, but also from Asian and American manufacturers and suppliers. Following the confirmation by VDA last week concerning their choice of CO2 Technology (R744) for next Mobile Air Conditioning systems, many companies are speeding up plans to develop the necessary components. ixetic is therefore setting the trend with its progress on state-of-the art compressors.
Georg Wolf, ixetic CEO, states: “We’re not only the first manufacturer that is able to go into production with the new technology, our air conditioner compressor is also unbeatable in terms of reliability and efficiency.”
The stand of ixetic also features a working CO2-based cold drink vending machine. Although the company has no plans to become a supplier for the stationary segment at the moment, it is showing the compressor long-term reliability in this other cooling circuit.
ixetic's CO2 compressor and other automotive components can be found in Hall 4.1, standF02.
More information:
See ixetic's compressor for all vehicle classes in our products database
Read the article: "Ixetic starts production of R744 compressors"
|
|
|
|
|
Suppliers - Overview
|
|
|
2007-09-14 Several stands
|
|
Most exhibitors are mentioning the issue of Air Conditioning, which is definitely high on the agenda. However, the displays concern mostly current models, based on 134a. A key point is the optimization of current systems to try to reduce fuel consumption as much as possible. (See our photo gallery for a feel of the stands from Denso, Valeo, Delphi or Behr, among others.)
Valeo’s motto is “green by nature”, and the suppler highlights the importance of achieving efficiency as a means to reduce the environmental impact of a vehicle. Valeo also confirms that they are continuing developments with systems based on natural refrigerants (i.e. R744), in order to comply with the EU MAC Directive by 2011.
Behr’s stand is dominated by the theme “eco-cool”. The company presents also projections to achieve further efficiency in the MAC systems by 2012, once R744 technology is implemented.
Delphi: Besides the focus on vehicle safety technologies, there is a MAC system on display. Efficiency is also here the key to future developments.
|
|
|
|
|
OBRIST displays low-cost R744 MAC system
|
|
|
A complete R744 air conditioning system by OBRIST Engineering and partners is on display at Burkon’s stand. The system, designed for small and medium size vehicles, is presented for the first time to a global audience.
|
|
|
2007-09-13 Burkon stand
|
|
The CO2-based system features prototype components by leading suppliers which have undergone extensive testing. Compared to a current Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) system, the difference in size is remarkable: the R744 weights 2 kg less than a comparable R134a system. The lines are clearly more compact, to contain the pressure of the refrigerant (see photo gallery).
Key components include, among others:
- C99 Compressor by OBRIST Engineering
- Accumulator by Burkon
- Gas Cooler by Visteon
- Lines by S.M.A. Metalltechnik
Next to the R744 system, Burkon features its own accumulators and a range of automotive components. The R744 system and all other Burkon’s components can be found in Hall 4.1, stand C05.
More information:
Website OBRIST Engineering
Website Burkon
Website S.M.A. Metalltechnik
|
|
|
|
|
Merkel: Reduce emissions from every single part of the car
|
|
|
Calling on the car industry to fully exploit the technological potential for a reduction of CO2 emissions, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has officially opened the Auto Motor Show. In the meantime, Greenpeace is showcasing its “climate pigs” cars at the fair entrance.
|
|
|
2007-09-13 11:16 AM - Official Opening
|
|
Today, there are many more people present at the Frankfurt “Messe” (Fair grounds), as the industry days start. The official opening of the world's biggest motor show, at the press centre, has just finished. Matthias Wissmann, head of VDA, has officially inaugurated the exhibition. The key theme of his speech: the efforts by the automotive industry to limit its environmental impact. He insisted on the need to find technological solutions that are both affordable and able to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions (see photo gallery).
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in her speech, urged carmakers to take climate concerns into account in designing new models. Manufacturers should think of how to cut emissions in "every single part of the car." There is no other way to counteract climate change effectively.
Meanwhile, around 20 activists from the environmental organization Greenpeace are exhibiting their famous pink “climate pigs” cars in an attempt to show the risk from still rising vehicle emissions. Releasing hundreds of black balloons marked CO2, they insist that much more needs to be done to reduce CO2-equivalent emissions from cars substantially (see photo gallery).
More information:
Abstracts from Merkel's opening speech - IAA press release, 13 Sept (DE)
Greenpeace News Release, 13 Sept (DE)
|
|
|
|
|
Opel: No fear of contact
|
|
|
2007-09-13 Article Wiesbadener Kurier
|
|
Hans H. Demant, CEO Opel: (…) Opel is well positioned. We have always discussed environmental issues not only theoretically but have implemented solutions in practice. No matter if catalyzer, particulate filter or alternative refrigerants – we have all produced in a large volume.”
More information:
Interview with Hans Demant, 13 Sept (DE)
|
|
|
Behr: We will see R744 also in Asia and the U.S. |
|
|
CO2 will be the majority solution for most world regions, Behr’s CEO Markus Flik believes. Having tested other alternatives, such as R152a, Behr is sure that performance, cost and safety issues of chemicals will make their wide-spread use unlikely.
|
|
|
2007-09-12 12:00 AM - Interview by David Smith Tilley, Director of Global Insight |
|
Flik: Everybody who delivers to Europe will have to do something. And the chemicals are not an option. There is only one other option which is even more expensive than R744, has lower performance, and also a critical safety issue. I would reckon that people who import vehicles to Europe will also go R744. (…) If nothing changes fundamentally - and the only fundamental change would be if someone invents a chemical alternative which is fantastic in every aspect, which today’s options are not – you will see, I believe, R744 also in Asia and the U.S. It is very hard for a country to go Kyoto and ignore Mobile Air Conditioning. (…) Within the vehicle the air conditioning system is actually only a small fraction, 5 to 10%, but with the current general climate and expectations in our industry, I don’t think that you can ignore this contribution. So long term, if nothing changes on the chemicals side of the world, that’s what’s going to happen.
Global Insight: Is there no danger that the European market itself could be fragmented in two different refrigerants? I know that you are not keen on R152a...
Flik: It’s not a matter of being keen or not. (…) We looked at all of them (other options) and R-152a is very clear: You have a number of additional components for a secondary loop that creates the same cost as R744. You are much poorer in cool-down performance because the secondary loop isolates. And finally, no matter what you do, it is a flammable agent that you bring into a vehicle. And clearly, we would have to pay a lot of attention to mitigate the risks. So if I have higher risks, same costs, more complexity, and low performance, why should I go down that road? No, I believe that we will see R744 as an absolute majority solution.”
Being finally asked about the risk of high-pressure systems and leaking CO2 for the passenger, Flik and Harald Riegel, Head of R744 development, make clear that the system was designed absolutely leak-tight. Even in case of rupture, safety systems will make sure that there is always a much lower concentration of CO2 inside the passenger compartment than a human normally inhales.
More information:
Hear the interview "BEHR: R744 as a majority solution" (relevant part from 0:54 min)
Hear the interview "BEHR: Costs & Components of R744 systems"
Hear the interview "BEHR: High Pressure & Safety"
|
|
|
Behr presents R744 ECO-A/C system |
|
|
Behr, a leading supplier of automotive air conditioning systems, is holding a press conference to highlight its latest innovations. Among them: the CO2-based ECO-A/C system which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from air conditioning by 30%. R744.com is present to ask about the first commercialization of CO2 systems.
|
|
|
2007-09-12 11:30 AM - Behr Press Conference
|
|
Behr, committed to achieve a 20% reduction from a car’s air conditioning system by 2012, is offering complete air conditioning systems based on the natural refrigerant R744 (CO2). The new system will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the air conditioning by 30%, but will also offer higher comfort levels: the comfort point in a heated vehicle cabin is reached 10 minutes faster than with conventional systems. On top of that, the new system will comply with upcoming EU legislation banning high-global warming refrigerants from new cars as from 2011 on.
Markus Flik, CEO of Behr, welcomes the VDA decision to use CO2 in future German cars. Having been the first supplier to start investing in CO2 Technology 14 years ago, Behr is now happy that the advantages of R744 have been proved during this long development period to enable a wide-spread use soon (see photo gallery).
R744.com: “Concerning the new refrigerant, when do you expect the first models to be on the road with the new systems?
Flik: “Surely we will see in the course of the year 2011 the first vehicles with the new refrigerant.”
More information:
Hear the audio file "BEHR: Press Conference Conclusions" (DE)
Hear the audio file "BEHR: R744.com question about Commercialization"
Hear the audio file "BEHR: R744 requires new systems" (DE)
Read the Statements by Markus Flik, CEO of Behr GmbH & Co. KG
|
|
|
ACEA: CO2 MAC - like seat belts in a Mercedes... |
|
|
The heads of all European car brands are lined up at the IAA Press Conference of ACEA. President Sergio Marchione is highlighting the achievements of Europe’s car industry regarding CO2 emissions so far. When asked for ACEA’s position on CO2 air conditioning, he avoids any clear answer.
|
|
|
2007-09-12 - 11:00 AM ACEA Press Conference
|
|
One Japanese journalist is trying to get an official statement from ACEA on the use of CO2 air conditioning. He poses the same question twice as Marchione did not understand his question when asked for the first time:
Journalist: On 6 September, the VDA already announced officially to use CO2. Are you in line with this VDA decision?
Marchione: The answer is that ACEA has supported compliance with legislation (…). But I will come back to you afterwards. That’s such a specific question. That’s like asking me about seat belts in a Mercedes. But you don’t make them anymore? (talking to Dieter Zetsche, CEO Daimler / Mercedes)
More information:
Hear the audio file "ACEA Press Conference - Decision for CO2?
Read the ACEA Press Release
|
|
|
DUH: CO2 Technology could send out technological signal |
|
|
The environmental NGO Deutsche Umwelthilfe welcomes the “courageous decision” of the VDA to use the natural refrigerant R-744 in next-generation air conditioning and hopes that German carmakers will regain technological leadership by focusing on CO2 Technology.
|
|
|
2007-09-12 - DUH Press Conference
|
|
Jürgen Resch, Managing Director of the DUH, is positive that the development of CO2 air conditioning systems could send out a technological signal from Germany to other world regions. He states: “We could now not only improve a technology but rather be the first to employ it in Germany and Europe. For several years, we have left system leadership for some technologies (…) to other states and companies. In the field of CO2 climate technology, the German car industry could now get back to the technological forefront.”
Resch once again welcomes the official announcement of the German car association VDA last week to opt for CO2 air conditioning in future cars. This “courageous decision” by President Matthias Wissmann just before the IAA has made clear that “the German automobile industry is breaking free from an alliance against the natural refrigerant CO2.”
DUH: MAC should be reflected in test cycles
In his speech Resch urges carmakers to deliver more accurate information on fuel consumption and emission values that could help consumers opt for the most cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solution when buying a car. To reflect the actual fuel use, the operating car air conditioning should be taken into account during test cycles. So far, carmakers have no incentive to opt for efficient air conditioning. Especially small cars, equipped with low-cost climate systems without sophisticated control technology, would therefore consume a large amount of fuel to cool the passenger compartment (see photo gallery).
More information:
Hear the audio file "DUH Press Conference - Part 1 (relevant part from 1:34 min) (DE)
Hear the audio file "DUH Press Conference - Part 2 (relevant part 1:38) (DE)
|
|
|
Peugeot Press Conference |
|
|
2007-09-11 2:50 PM
|
|
The green theme of the IAA is also dominating the next press conference: Peugeot is presenting its new concept “Blue Lion” to highlight the ecological benefits of its fleet (see photo gallery). The label will be displayed on the most environmentally friendly models that feature emission reduction technologies. A car labeled with the “Blue Lion” will have to meet the following criteria: a maximum CO2 emission of 130 g/km for cars running on fossil fuels, 158 g/km for diesel vehicles with an up to 30% biodiesel mix and a particulate filter, and 200 g/km for models running on superethanol E85. Cars fueled with natural gas will get the label as well as vehicles that are recyclable at 95% at the end of life.
Other carmakers, such as Porsche, Honda, Volvo, and Hyundai have repeated the message, that higher efficiency of their fleet is the best way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the short run.
More information:
Peugeot Press Release IAA (GERMAN)
|
|
|
Toyota Press Conference |
|
|
2007-09-11 2:20 PM
|
|
The Japanese carmaker is insisting on the success of its Hybrid models and its 10-year leadership in developing this technology (see photo gallery). Focusing on the environmental benefits, Toyota presents its new concept study iQ featuring a compact length of only 3 metres and a revolutionary passenger compartment concept.
The issue of efficiency and emissions reduction is present in virtually every presentation. The concern for climate solutions is high. The predominant theme of global warming is shaping industry developments. However, reducing emissions from vehicle air conditioning is missing for the moment at this edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show.
More information:
Toyota Press Release IAA (GERMAN)
|
|
|
R744.com interview with VDA President Wissmann: We want to set the standard for CO2 Technology |
|
|
R744.com asked the President of the VDA about the carmakers’ choice of CO2 air conditioning and whether this decision would give the Germans a competitive advantage over other carmakers worldwide. Read here the translation and hear the original interview via our audio podcast!
|
|
|
2007-09-11 11:20 AM
|
|
R744.com: Regarding the German car industry’s choice of environmentally friendly CO2 Mobile Air Conditioning: Do you expect other carmakers, such as Japanese and other European manufacturers, to follow the German line?
Wissmann: Yes, we hope that, because we believe that we are setting a benchmark with our decision. We are the first auto nation to address the subject of environmentally friendly air conditioning. The Global Warming Potential of current system is 1,500. Air conditioning systems used by us on the basis of natural refrigerants, whose development has been driven by some German suppliers, have a Global Warming Potential of 1. We are achieving a great progress and that’s why we hope that others will follow, but we want to set the standard.
R744.com: Do you see a competitive advantage for the German car industry to develop CO2 Technology? Is this an opportunity for the industry?
Wissmann: Yes, of course, as some of our suppliers are outstanding in this area. Just think of Behr, or Konvekta. From this point of view it really is good fortune that something that has been developed in Germany will be employed in German cars first. But we are really open, we are an automotive nation that does not close its borders as we live from the exports of 3 out of 4 cars produced in Germany. That’s why we would be happy if others would follow our lead.
More information:
Hear the original interview in German (relevant part from 0:50 min)
|
|
|
Interview with VDA President Wissmann: We have taken the role of a pioneer |
|
|
The President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry VDA, Matthias Wissmann, is coming out of the press conference of Volkswagen. He is answering to questions from journalists, highlighting the efforts by German carmakers to adopt more environmentally friendly technologies. Read the translated part about CO2 air conditioning here and hear the original interview via our video podcast.
|
|
|
2007-09-11 11:15 AM
|
|
Wissmann: Only to mention an example from the last days: In the area of car air conditioning, we have decided to opt for the most ecological option. Being the first industry worldwide, we have taken the role of a pioneer in the field of mobile air conditioning. The systems brought to the market by the German industry as from 2010 on have a Global Warming Potential of 1, the currently used systems that of 1,500. And the European limits applicable as from 2011 mandate a maximum Global Warming Potential of 150. That means we are setting standards. I believe the constructive approach we are taking is complementing our active communication strategy. Only if both go together, a credible approach and an active communication, we can make progress, which we claim to be true for the German industry.
More information:
Hear the original interview in German here (relevant part 0:18 – 1:17 min)
|
|
|
BMW Press Conference |
|
|
2007-09-11 08:30 AM
|
|
Dr. Norbert Reithofer, CEO BMW: "The BMW Group will definitely meet its contribution to the ACEA voluntary commitment made by the European Association of Car Manufacturers. By the end of 2008 we will have cut the carbon dioxide emissions of our entire fleets by 25% from the 1995 level."
More information:
BMW Press Conference Live Podcast
|
|
|
|
|
Wissmann: CO2 from next decade on in German cars -->
|
|
|
The VDA President Matthias Wissmann has highlighted the choice of CO2 air conditioning as a proof of Germany's global leadership for sustainable mobility in a Spiegel Online interview. Wissmann expects R744 systems to be widely available in German cars within the next four years.
|
|
|
2007-09-10
|
|
The President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry VDA has once again emphasized the choice of the environmentally friendly refrigerant CO2 (R-744) as a key step to take the global lead in an "ecologically important field". He underlined that Germany is the "first auto nation to take this road", complying not only with upcoming EU limits regarding the Global Warming Potential of refrigerants, but also putting the least burden on the environment.
Asked when consumers could be sure to buy a car equipped with CO2 air conditioning, he stated: "I assume that by the beginning of the next decade these air conditioning systems will be used in high volume."
Wissmann also mentioned the support of the German environmental NGOs Deutsche Umwelthilfe and Greenpeace that had welcomed the VDA decision last week as a major contribution to climate protection.
More information:
Spiegel interview: "Müsliautos interessieren keinen", 10 Sept 2007
|
|
|
|
|
An R744.com blog will keep you updated with text, audio, and image files on the latest innovations regarding CO2 (R744) air conditioning presented at the world’s largest auto show in Frankfurt. Sustainable mobility is the main focus of this year’s edition. |
|
|
2007-09-11
|
|
At this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, organized by the German automotive association VDA, carmakers and suppliers are expected to outdo each other in showcasing their latest efforts to fight global warming with more efficient and climate-friendly vehicle technology. This comes at a time when they are facing not only rising pressure from climate legislation in Europe, the US, or Japan, but also increasing consumer demand for fuel-efficient cars. The theme “See what’s driving the future” is, according to VDA’s President Wissmann, thus reflecting that “the automotive industry is meeting the challenge of climate protection in an active way.”
Before the official start on Thursday, 13 September, global carmakers and suppliers will present their innovations to more than 10,000 journalists during the press days 11-12 September. They are also expected to make important announcements regarding CO2 Technology in Mobile Air Conditioning, following the VDA’s official press release last week confirming the use of CO2 (R-744) air conditioning in future cars.
IAA blog on R744.com
From today, R744.com will report about key announcements and presentations regarding CO2 Technology at the IAA. This time, we will offer you not only continuous news updates, but also image and audio files. Please visit our IAA blog regularly for latest developments.
Background
The Motor Show (IAA) Cars is organized every two years by the German Association of the Automotive Industry VDA. This year, it will be open to the public from 13-23 September. Nearly 1,100 exhibitors from 40 countries will showcase 260 innovations, among which 88 car world premieres. The organizers hope to attract at least the target of 1 million visitors, achieved in the last two editions of the IAA.
|
|
