IndustyWeek's editor, Adrienne Selko reports on Start Technologies Europe I.G., (Start Technologies Europe I.G. is headquartered in Westmount, Quebec, Canada) May 28, 2012 announcement that it opened a new R&D facility in Bologna, Italy, close to the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, with which the company has close ties related to new technology development. The region is heart of the automotive sector in Italy. The facility will adapt the Fuel Efficiency and Emissions Device unit to some of the most popular engines used in the transportation industry.
Start Technologies owns the exclusive manufacturing rights to the Start Fuel Efficiency and Emission Device (FEED), an aftermarket device for internal combustion engines that enhances performance by causing fuel to combust more efficiently and completely.
The technology uses a high-voltage electric current to break long-chain hydrocarbon molecules into shorter, lighter more volatile molecules. The device produces a number of important benefits, including; lower emissions; reduced fuel consumption; and improved engine performance. The technology can be applied to a variety of different types of engines, both diesel and gasoline powered, heavy equipment as well as consumer vehicles.
The 5100 square foot facility will feature an in-house, climate-controlled, test lab that conforms to all necessary European specifications in order to ensure that new product developments remain in line with the homologation certification achieved by the Start FEED products.
"Enquiries have begun streaming in regarding installation of our Start FEED units throughout clients' fleets, based on the positive test results they saw in various European locales." noted Daniele Brazzi, CEO "The search for improved gas mileage has become a series of tiny, incremental improvements to achieve further efficiencies from internal combustion engines. Our technology represents a significant breakthrough that will translate to meaningful cost savings across large fleets of vehicles. Another vital factor responsible for generating such interest relates to the dramatic reduction in emissions demonstrated in these tests, particularly diesel powered engines, that are extremely popular in Europe."
Previously conducted tests through various third party testing facilities, governments and large fleet owners have shown improved mileage that varies from a minimum of 6% to 19%, depending on the average speed and the type of cargo being transported.
The initial focus of the facility will be to adapt and optimize the FEED units to a variety of the most popular engines and vans including those manufactured by Volvo, Mercedes, Audi and Renault.
