Following an announcement by the German Automotive Industry Association (VDA) to opt for CO2Technology for next generation car air conditioning, the world’s biggest auto show served to confirm a strong commitment to green technologies.
At this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, organized by the German automotive association VDA, carmakers and suppliers showcased their latest efforts to fight global warming with more efficient and climate-friendly vehicle technology. CO2-based technology featured among the solutions presented.
CO2 Technology providers
Ixetic was the first automotive supplier to present a production-ready CO2 (R744) compressor that satisfies the legislation on environmentally friendly air conditioning, which will start taking effect in Europe in 2011. The company’s CO2 compressor received great attention, not only from European media and industry, but also from Asian and American manufacturers and suppliers. Behr, the leading supplier of automotive air conditioning systems, presented in its press conference new technological innovations. Among them: the CO2-based ECO-A/C system which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from air conditioning by 30%. On the other hand, A complete CO2 air conditioning system by OBRIST Engineering and partners was on display at Burkon’s stand. The system, designed for small and medium size vehicles, was presented for the first time to a global audience.
Green focus
The climate challenge was present in almost every presentation by manufacturers and suppliers, and also mentioned by key personalities attending the event.
In the official opening, German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged think of how to cut emissions in “every single part of the car”, as there is no other way to counteract climate change effectively.
Matthias Wissmann, VDA President, referred in different occasions during the event to the landmark decision by the German industry: “In the area of car air conditioning, we have decided to opt for the most ecological option. Being the first industry worldwide, we have taken the role of a pioneer in the field of mobile air conditioning. The systems brought to the market by the German industry as from 2010 on have a Global Warming Potential of 1, the currently used systems that of 1,500. That means we are setting standards”.
Background
The Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), organized every two years by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), took place this from 13-23 September. Over 1,000 exhibitors from 40 countries showcased 260 innovations, among which 88 car world premières. Nearly 1 million visitors enjoyed the world’s biggest car show.
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