Chrysler 2014 Annual Report Download - page 120

118 2014 | ANNUAL REPORT
Sustainability Disclosure
In 2014, trucks, including SUVs, pickup trucks and minivans, accounted for approximately three quarters of FCA sales
in the United States. FCA light duty truck fuel economy improved 6% from 2013 to 2014, increasing from 24.5 mpg in
2013 to 26.0. Due to consumer preference for FCA large cars and larger displacement engines in 2014, FCA domestic
passenger car mpg declined, from 32.3 in 2013 to 31.1.
The Group introduced a number of new solutions in 2014 to improve the eco-performance of our products.
Innovative Powertrains
The latest addition to the FIRE family of gasoline engines - the 140 hp, 1.4-liter Turbo MultiAir II - was launched in
Europe on the new Jeep Renegade in late 2014 and is now also available on the Fiat 500X. This second generation
MultiAir technology brings further improvements in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions (up to 2% based on the New
European Driving Cycle), building on the advantages of the first generation MultiAir engines that delivered reductions of
up to 10% compared with a conventional gasoline engine of the same displacement.
The new high-performance 1.8-liter Turbo GDI (Euro 6) was introduced on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta for the European
market in combination with the 6-speed TCT (twin clutch) sequential automatic transmission. The aluminum engine
block, electronically-controlled thermostat, variable displacement oil pump and other features all contribute to the
engine’s best-in-class CO2 emissions performance.
The Start&Stop system was introduced on the 8-valve, 1.2-liter versions of the Fiat 500 and Lancia Ypsilon, further
improving average CO2 emissions for our vehicle fleet in Europe.
With respect to new diesel engines in Europe, availability of the second-generation 120 hp, 1.6-liter MultiJet II and
140 hp, 2.0-liter MultiJet II, both Euro 6 compliant, has been extended to the Fiat 500X. Equipped with the 1.6-liter
engine, the 500X delivers fuel consumption as low as 4.1 liters/100 km and CO2 emissions of 109 g/km (combined
cycle). Other eco-friendly technologies on the 500X include: a smart alternator, which modulates energy output based
on current energy demand and battery charge level; optimization of the engine cooling circuit to reduce warm-up
time; and a variable displacement oil pump that improves energy efficiency by regulating oil pressure based on actual
operating conditions.
In the NAFTA region, FCA’s 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine on the Ram 1500 delivers the highest fuel economy among all
full-size truck competitors - 12% higher than the next-closest competitor. In 2014, in response to strong consumer
demand, FCA increased the EcoDiesel mix to 20% of Ram 1500 production. This engine is also available on the Jeep
Grand Cherokee, delivering 30 miles per gallon with a driving range of more than 730 miles.
During 2014, FCA continued to expand availability of the Group’s advanced technology transmissions. The new
Jeep Renegade became the world’s first small SUV with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This transmission
delivers a smooth driving experience and improved fuel efficiency. The nine-speed transmission is also available on
the new Fiat 500X.
In addition, the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X are equipped with rear-axle disconnect, which reduces energy loss when
4x4 capability isn’t needed and, as a consequence, improves overall fuel efficiency. This technology seamlessly and
automatically switches between two- and four-wheel drive for full-time torque management under all driving conditions.
FCA’s highly efficient TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission is now powering more than one million vehicles,
with availability expanded to include all versions of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Challenger. The TorqueFlite
was already available on the Ram 1500 pickup, Lancia Thema, Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Depending on the application, this transmission contributes to fuel economy improvements of up to 12%, compared
with the previous five-speed and six speed transmissions it replaces.
Research activities on gasoline engines have been devoted to the continuous evolution of the MultiAir system
capabilities. The aim is to maintain the highest thermal efficiency over the entire engine operating field. Smart
auxiliaries, lightweight materials and low friction components are being assessed for future engine platforms to further
reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Research activities on diesel engines have been focused on both the combustion process and after-treatment technologies.
The aim of the combustion research has been to mitigate pollutant formation and enhance fuel consumption.