Chrysler 2009 Annual Report Download - page 109

REPORT ON
OPERATIONS
OPERATING
PERFORMANCE
BY SECTOR
108
The Campo Largo facility, located in the metropolitan area of Curitiba (Paraná, Brazil), began production of
a new range of cutting-edge and extremely cost-effective mid-size engines. The plant underwent a major
upgrade related to new systems required for Fiat applications.
In June, FPT and Perkins Engines Company Limited signed a strategic cooperation agreement for
the long-term supply of a 3.4-litre low environmental impact engine for application on agricultural and
construction equipment.
In July, Fiat Group and the Chinese group GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd.) signed a framework
agreement for the creation of a 50/50 joint venture to produce engines and passenger cars for the Chinese
market. Production capacity of a total 220,000 engines per year is planned.
INNOVATION AND PRODUCTS
Passenger & Commercial Vehicles
In 2009, FPT continued development of innovative powertrain systems (engines and transmissions combined)
for Fiat Group Automobiles.
One of the most significant developments was the start of production, in May, of the MultiAir engines, a new
generation of gasoline engines that reduce fuel consumption and emissions, while at the same time enhancing
performance and driving comfort. These engines generate 10% more power and 15% more torque than a
traditional engine of equivalent cubic capacity, while at the same time delivering a 10% reduction in both fuel
consumption and CO2 emissions. The MultiAir technology received the “Technobest 2009”, “ADAC – Gelber
Engel 2010” and “Engine Development Team of the Year” (from Automotive Testing Technology International)
awards. MultiAir engines were offered on the 105 hp naturally-aspirated and the 135 hp Turbo versions of the
Alfa MiTo and Punto Evo. Development also continued on 170 hp and 135 hp dual dry clutch versions.
The new B family 1.8 direct injection turbo also went into production and development continued on a 230 hp
version for Alfa Romeo.
In the area of diesel engines, FPT began supply to Fiat Group Automobiles of low environmental impact engines
for the Alfa MiTo (1.3 JTDM 90 hp with DPF), the Grande Punto (1.6 MultiJet 120 hp Euro 5) and the Alfa 159
(2.0 JTDM 170 hp Euro 5). Production also began on the Euro 5 1.3 Small Diesel Engine (in 75 hp and 95 hp
versions), complete with the innovative Common Rail MultiJet II injection system. This engine was launched at
the end of September on the Fiat Punto Evo.
Development also continued on low CO2 emissions diesels to be introduced in 2010, and on the new
2-cylinder Small Gasoline Engine, with MultiAir technology for both the naturally-aspirated and turbo versions.
Development of a CNG turbo application will follow. The commercial debut of the 2-cylinder SGE (turbo version)
will be on the Fiat 500.
Development continued on the Fire 1.4 Turbo bifuel (CNG/gasoline), as well as LPG (for Europe) and Flex
engines (for Latin America) which are increasingly in demand. FPT also completed collaboration with FGA on
development of LPG applications for the Fire family of engines (both naturally-aspirated and turbo).
For transmissions, new developments included the production launch of the new C635 six-speed, manual
transmission and completion of development on the dry dual clutch version, which will be launched at the 2010
Geneva Motor Show on the MiTo 135 hp MultiAir.