Chrysler will offer a start/stop engine technology on its vehicles soon, says one top executive. The technology — which Chrysler has dubbed micro hybrid since it was derived from technology used in the hybrid vehicles — will automatically turn off a car’s engine when stopped, and then start it again when the brake pedal is released.
Frank Klegon, Chrysler executive vice president of product development, told Automotive News that the technology will be introduced on some Chrysler vehicles “pretty soon.” Klegon stopped short of giving a time frame.
It’s estimated that the start/stop function could boost fuel economy by 5%.
It remains unclear where Chrysler will source the technology from. Several other automakers offer a similar technology — such as Mercedes-Benz and Smart, both former member of the DaimlerChrysler family.
