Chrysler 2013 Annual Report Download - page 88

87
Report on
Operations
Innovative Vehicle Architectures
Solutions for an optimal balance between vehicle safety, comfort and emissions levels are focused on minimizing vehicle weight, aerodynamic
drag, rolling resistance and the energy demands of auxiliary systems.
In 2013, the Group introduced the latest architectural solutions on the new Fiat 500L Living and Chrysler Group vehicles. High-Strength Steels
(HSS), which represent around 72% of the weight of the 500L Living, ensure a strong, rigid structure. The newly-launched 2014 Jeep Cherokee
uses 65% HSS, an improvement of 16% over its predecessor, the Jeep Liberty. In addition, optimization of the 500L Living’s aerodynamic profile
enabled a 10% reduction in the aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cx) compared with the Lancia Musa. The 2014 Ram 1500, with active aerodynamics
including grille shutters and air suspension, delivers best-in-class fuel economy and an aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cx) of 0.360.
Sustainable Materials
Research and innovation for materials used in Group vehicles are concentrated in three areas:
research on new materials and structures to reduce vehicle weight (e.g., high-strength steels, new light alloys, composite plastic materials)
analysis of biomaterials suitable for automotive applications (e.g., recycled polypropylene reinforced with natural fibers for use in vehicle
interiors, and bioplastics from renewable sources)
identification of alternative uses for materials recovered at end of vehicle life (e.g., use of scrap tires to produce rubberized asphalt)
Promoting Eco-Sustainable Driving
Driving behavior is a significant contributing factor in the environmental impact of vehicles. Aware of the substantial difference drivers can make,
Fiat Group has continued to invest in the eco:Drive system, which provides personalized tips to help drivers improve their driving style and, as
a consequence, reduce fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. The eco:Drive system is now available on nearly all Fiat and Fiat Professional
models sold in Europe, Brazil, the U.S. and Canada.
An analysis of the best drivers revealed that the system can contribute to reducing fuel consumption by as much as 16%. By the end of 2013,
eco:Drive had been used by more than 94,000 customers and contributed to annual avoidance of more than 5,800 tons of CO2 emissions.
On the Fiat 500L, 500L Living and 500L Trekking, the latest version of this application, eco:Drive Live, allows drivers to see tips and suggestions
via the new Uconnect multimedia system. Real-time feedback on driving style enables immediate reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.
New Models of Mobility
The Group’s innovation activities also focus on solutions to respond to the emerging mobility needs of customers.
To address those needs, the Group has launched a variety of initiatives.
One of those initiatives is Enjoy, an innovative car-sharing service launched in Milan, Italy, by the energy company ENI, in collaboration with Fiat
and Trenitalia. Enjoy is designed to tackle traffic congestion and improve the quality of life for the city’s inhabitants. Fiat is the vehicle supplier
for the project, the largest car-sharing fleet in Italy with a total of 640 Fiat 500s and 500Ls. Innovative features of the service include online or
smartphone app sign-up and management, as well as the ability to instantly select from a pool of available vehicles parked at locations around
the city and to leave the vehicle at any of the approved parking facilities within the service coverage area.