Chrysler 2012 Annual Report Download - page 85

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Innovative Products for Ecological Mobility
Fiat’s product strategy is driven by the objective of achieving sustainable mobility by reducing the environmental
impact of vehicles over their entire life cycle. Innovation activities in support of that objective include improving
the efficiency of conventional engines, increasing the use of alternative fuels, developing alternative propulsion
systems and encouraging drivers to play an active role in reducing emissions.
Strategy to Minimize Emissions
The results achieved in terms of reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions provide a concrete demonstration
of the Group’s level of commitment to increasingly sustainable mobility, particularly in EMEA and NAFTA where,
in 2012, the Group generated more than 70% of global revenues.
In Europe, Fiat Group Automobiles (FGA) has reduced average CO2 emissions of Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia and
Abarth brand vehicles by 21% over the past 10 years. Approximately 71% of FGA brand cars registered in
Europe in 2012 had CO2 emissions at or below 120 g/km – and 81% at or below 130 g/km6.
In the United States – where miles per gallon (mpg) is the standard measure of vehicle efficiency – the
average weighted mpg for Chrysler Group vehicles sold in the U.S. market improved 4% over the prior year,
corresponding to an 8% reduction in CO2 emissions.
This trend of decreasing CO2 emissions for Group vehicles is the result of strategic choices based on a process
of continuous innovation.
Following are some of the main technological innovations introduced on Group vehicles during 2012.
Innovative Powertrains
In Europe, the Group launched a 65 hp naturally-aspirated version and a 105 hp turbo version of the TwinAir
engine family. Now available on the new Fiat 500L, the 105 hp has CO2 emissions of just 112 g/km, the lowest
in its class. Both engines use second generation MultiAir technology (MultiAir II) which, due to its advanced
air intake valve and combustion management systems, offers further reductions in CO2 emissions without
compromising performance or drivability.
In the United States, Chrysler Group launched the new Dodge Dart, its first vehicle based on a Fiat-derived
architecture. In addition to the Tigershark engine family, the Dart is also available with a 160 hp 1.4L MultiAir
turbo gasoline engine, which delivers 41 mpg on the highway.
Chrysler Group also expanded the availability of the highly-efficient Pentastar V-6 engine to the Ram 1500
pickup, resulting in a 20% improvement in fuel economy over the V-6 engine it replaced. With its exceptionally
low fuel consumption, reduced emissions and optimum performance, the engine (currently available on 13
vehicles) was named one of Ward’s “10 Best Engines” for the third consecutive year. The Pentastar V-6
combined with an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission helped the Ram 1500 achieve best-in-class fuel
economy in its segment.
Over the medium-to-long term, Group research in gasoline engine technology will continue to focus on
downsizing displacement in parallel with further development of MultiAir and other technologies that optimize
consumption and performance, while reducing emissions. Integration of direct injection technologies is one
example of how that objective can be achieved.
(6) CO2 data based on New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) measurement standard.
Sustainability Report on
Operations
above 130
19%
up to 110
26%
from 121
to 130
10%
from 111
to 120
45%
New registrations by CO2
emissions level (g/km)
Fiat Group Automobiles — Europe