A refresher
Delphi and BMW Announce Development of Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Unit
For Release: April 26, 1999
MUNICH, Germany /PRNewswire/ -- Delphi Automotive Systems (NYSE: DPH) and BMW announced today that they have signed a development agreement to produce vehicles that use a solid-oxide fuel cell as an auxiliary power unit and that have the potential of being clean, high-power-generation vehicles.
Under the development agreement, BMW and Delphi are jointly developing a fuel cell system that will be used as an auxiliary power unit for gasoline engines. This will allow BMW to offer more features more efficiently with the potential to reduce the emissions of an internal combustion engine. Delphi will develop the fuel cell system and BMW will integrate the unit into a vehicle.
The solid-oxide fuel cell unit will provide more energy into the vehicle to enhance the electrical systems. Delphi and BMW plan to produce the solid oxide fuel cell unit in the near future.
During the signing ceremony held today at BMW's technical center in Munich, Dr. Wolfgang Ziebart, BMW board member, responsible for development and purchasing at BMW, said: "For the production development of the solid-oxide fuel cell system, BMW has selected a very strong partner -- Delphi. Delphi, the world's largest automotive supplier, is also committed to the quick implementation of this technology."
Representing Delphi at the ceremony, Jose Maria Alapont, executive director of international operations for Delphi Energy and Engine Management Systems, said, "This project has worldwide application and offers the possibility for vehicle manufacturers to use fuel cell technology not only as a propulsion system but also as an auxiliary power unit."
"The solid-oxide fuel cell unit has the ability to increase the electric power within a vehicle to offer more features in the most efficient way. Additionally, it provides tremendous potential to reduce the emissions of the internal combustion engine," Alapont said.
"BMW has extensive knowledge in hydrogen powertrains. That expertise, coupled with Delphi's demonstrated abilities in fuel cell systems, will provide the partnership with a definite advantage in developing and producing this industry leading technology," he added.
"The signing of this development agreement strengthens an already positive relationship between BMW and Delphi. Delphi currently supplies vehicle energy, evaporative emissions control, chassis, electronics and wiring systems," Alapont said.
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