The systems can save between 5-8 percent fuel consumption and are a cost-efffective way for carmakers to bring down their CO2 emissions ratings, with consequent tax benefits in many markets, including Ireland.
The new automatic-transmission systems made by Bosch are available in the VW Passat and in the Porsche Panamera with their dual-clutch transmissions, in the Fiat 500 with its automated manual, and in the Audi A8 with its standard torque converter type autobox.
Bosch has already sold 1.5 million start/stop units since they were introduced in 2007.
Adapting them for automatics required some re-engineering and innovation, but they now work seamlessly: when the driver brakes to a stop the engine will stop once the car is stationary; lifting the foot off the brake pedal will start it up again.
