BMW chooses CO₂ air conditioning, media reports

Speaking to Automotive News Europe, BMW spokesman Rudi Probst confirmed that the manufacturer has chosen a CO₂-based solution because the competing alternative was a chemical solution BMW was "not happy with technically." Although BMW did not reveal further details about the system to be used, the manufacturer is thus the first German carmaker to confirm their choice to the press. The decision is a logic step in BMW's efforts to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly car models.

BMW and other German carmakers are expected to officially confirm CO₂ as their refrigerant choice at next week's Frankfurt auto show. So far, the auto industry association VDA has not commented on the subject, but BMW confirmed that all carmakers were "working together on the issue."

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Suppliers awaiting decision for CO₂

Leading global suppliers, such as Behr, Delphi, Denso, Valeo, and Visteon are awaiting the early refrigerant choice of the German car industry to end speculations about a market worth more than €5 billion in 2006. Facing a deadline that bans the current refrigerant R-134a from new cars in the EU from 2011 on, their choice is pressing to start the planning period necessary to comply with the law in time.

Suppliers are now positive that the German car industry will opt for CO₂ (R744) as the most efficient and environmentally friendly solution available. Visteon’s Vice President, Nurdal Kuecuekkaya, once again confirmed to Automotive News Europe that CO₂-based systems will be up to 25% more efficient than the best of today's R-134a systems.

Follow-up

R744.com will report from the 62^nd International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt next week with daily updates in a blog-style on all developments regarding CO₂ Mobile Air Conditioning at this key event. BMW is expected to announce their refrigerant choice as part of their official press statement on Tuesday morning, 11 September.