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Visteon's Modular Electric Compressor Showcased in Hybrid Demonstration Vehicle


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KERPEN, Germany, Oct. 2, 2008 - Visteon Corporation's electrically driven air conditioning compressor is featured in BMW's hybrid demonstration vehicle, first presented at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

Applying its proven expertise in compressors with its electrical and electronic capabilities, Visteon has developed this unique solution for use with hybrid vehicles. The compact lightweight compressor is the result of innovative electric motor and power electronics designs that are integrated into the compressor housing.

Visteon's compact solution fits into the package space of a belt-driven compressor used in conventional powertrains. This enables vehicle manufacturers to minimize the complexity of integrating the electric compressor into hybrid derivatives, and to provide full thermal occupant comfort in hybrid vehicles -- also during engine-off modes.

The modular approach allows the same basic packaging dimensions for the electric motor and power electronics to be designed for either 120V DC or 288V DC applications, making Visteon's compressor suitable for mild (lower voltage) or full/plug-in hybrid (higher voltage) applications. The modularity also extends to the mechanical portion of the compressor and allows a second design for alternative refrigerants, such as R744, to be utilized with the modular electric motor and power electronics.