The start/stop system is based on an intelligent combination of engine, brake, and battery management, which stops the internal-combustion engine when the vehicle is at a standstill in a traffic jam or at a red light. As soon as the driver depresses the clutch pedal, the system automatically restarts the engine. The electronics ensure that the driver can save fuel and cut CO2 emissions without compromising on convenience. Depending on the vehicle, these savings can add up to eight percent in urban traffic. Sales of half a million start/stop systems are planned for 2008, and the figure is likely to be more than one million in 2009.
