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Visteon's Electric AC Compressor Makes BMW Greener

BMW's recently launched ActiveHybrid7 will benefit from Visteon Corporation's new lightweight electric compressor, enhancing its "green" profile. Visteon put its engineering know-how to work and came up with a solution that meets the demands of hybrid and electric vehicles while preserving the capacity of traditional belt-driven compressors.

Air conditioning compressors are used to pump a cooling agent through the climate system. Traditionally, the compressor is belt-driven by the engine and it can only operate while the car is running. An electric compressor in a hybrid vehicle can operate independently, enabling the cabin to be cooled even if the engine is off.

"Visteon strives to provide 'green' products, and this new electric compressor supports the brand profile and environmentally friendly objectives of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7," said Nurdal Kuecuekkaya, Visteon's climate product group lead for Europe. "This new compressor technology not only fulfills our current customer requirements, but also positions us to support other environmentally friendly climate systems like R134a and R1234yf."

Electric compressors also improve passenger comfort, as the cabin can be pre-conditioned before passengers enter and can be cooled faster because of the independent operation from the engine running speed. Also, cabin comfort can be maintained when the engine is idling or off.

Visteon Corporation is a global leader in designing and manufacturing climate systems, electronic and lighting components used by automakers around the world. With corporate offices in Van Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.), Shanghai, China, and Chelmsford, UK, the company has facilities in 26 countries and employs approximately 26,500 people.
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