Micro hybrid. Start-stop. Whatever we call it, people like it. The micro hybrid system, currently available in cars like the Smart fortwo and through aftermarket suppliers like Ricardo, is preferred by three out of four drivers, the UK's Motorpoint car supermarket group found in a recent survey. This technology is cheap to implement (compared to full hybrid systems) and is available today, but isn't exactly widespread. Only Citroen, BMW and Mini offer it on non-hybrid vehicles. Motorpoint found that a start-stop system, which shuts down the engine when the car isn't moving and then quickly restarts it when the driver pushes the accelerator, would be a hit among drivers because it gets up to an eight percent fuel cost reduction boost in urban driving. The CO₂ emissions are a side benefit in the public's mind. More details after the jump.

Following on the heels of BMW and their Efficient Dynamics initiative, Audi seems ready to mimic their Bavarian rival. With some sort of mandatory European CO₂ limits almost certain to be passed, almost all manufacturers who do business on the continent will have to do something. Audi has already shown their hybrid system on the A4 drivetrain at the Detroit Auto Show, in addition to the Q7 hybrid that is coming. On top of that, they are developing simpler automatic start-stop systems and working on weight reduction. They are also working on a system of thermostatically-controlled flaps behind the grille that would cut air-flow through the engine compartment when cooling isn't needed. This is a similar system to what Cadillac showed on their Provoq concept to reduce drag under light load conditions.

[Source: What Car?]

Following the public introductions of the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen with the Two-Mode Hybrid system last week in Los Angeles, Chrysler executive VP for Product Development Fran Klegon spoke to Automotive News. Klegon reiterated some things that he has said on several previous occasions, notably that they would spread the application of the Two-Mode hybrid system to other vehicles in the Chrysler line up. Given that GM is installing the system in their full-size pickups next year and a new Ram pickup is also due later next year, that would seem a likely choice. It will be interesting to see if Chrysler pairs the hybrid system with their new Cummins light-duty diesel engine that's also coming in 2009. Perhaps on a shorter time-frame, Chrysler will add mild and micro hybrid systems to some vehicles. The latter are simply automatic start-stop systems that shut-off the engine when the vehicle isn't moving. According to Klegon, such systems could yield a five percent improvement in efficiency for only a few hundred dollars. We'll probably see that system get added to vehicles like the Caliber, Avenger and Sebring in the near future.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]