Kia’s New Stop-Start

This year Kia Motors Inc will introduce a new stop-start feature on its European vehicle the Kia Cee’d. The feature automatically turns off the engine at long traffic lights and is designed to shave 15% off gasoline costs while also cutting emissions. The Cee’d engine stops at a standstill and is re-engaged automatically as soon as the driver depresses the clutch to find first gear. Stop-start engine technology is being adopted by an increasing number of automakers as a way to squeeze extra mileage out of gasoline combustion engines, and is especially popular in Europe, where stricter carbon emissions standards are creating widespread demand for cleaner cars. 

The Kia Cee’d is not available in the United States, but spokeswoman Pamela Munoz said the new stop-start system will be offered on the company’s yet-to-be named model due out in November. Kia promises the new technology will also be available as an option on several other models worldwide by 2010.