MAHLE’s Analysis Tool Looks for Solutions to CAFÉ 2025 Compliance

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.

MAHLE Powertrain, LLC engineers have designed a software program to help car makers and engine manufacturers meet aggressive new 2025 model-year car and light-truck fuel economy standards.

The breakthrough technology called MFAST (MAHLE Fleet Analysis Software Tool) is a modeling tool that incorporates a wide range of vehicle technologies and data from MAHLE’s global research and development activities.

MAHLE’s new program identifies and analyzes a portfolio of technologies focused on powertrain options that have the potential to help achieve 2025 CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fleet Economy) fuel economy targets.

“The results of MFAST suggest that in order to meet CAFÉ 2025 fleet fuel economy regulations, a combination of advanced powertrain, drivetrain and vehicle changes will be required,” notes Bernie Porter, head of MAHLE’s Calibration and Controls Engineering group.

Powertrain variables analyzed by MFAST include such factors as extreme engine downsizing; diluted combustion; friction reduction, and hybridization, as well as diesel and alternative fuels. Vehicle variables analyzed by MFAST include light weighting; rolling resistance; advanced transmission options and aerodynamics.

Porter notes that auto makers will be expected to achieve an average fuel economy target of 54.5 miles-per-gallon within the next 10 years compared to a CAFÉ standard of 27.5 miles-per-gallon today.

“While the new federal mandate is still 10 years down the road, it’s important to note that car companies only will have just one or two product cycles to meet it,” Porter points out.

Product cycles, or the time required to design and engineer a totally new vehicle, range from four to eight years, depending on the automaker. The 2025 CAFÉ regulations were announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2012 as the target fuel economy standard starting in 2025.

About MAHLE

As a leading global development partner for the automotive and engine industry, MAHLE offers unique systems competence in the areas of engine systems, filtration, electrics/mechatronics, and thermal management. In the original equipment industry, MAHLE provides technologically innovative solutions for automotive, commercial vehicle, machinery, and other industrial applications. The Aftermarket business unit also serves the independent parts market with MAHLE products in OE quality.

MAHLE has a local presence in all major world markets. In 2014, some 66,000 employees at approximately 150 production locations generated sales of nearly EUR 10 billion. At ten major research and development centers in Germany, Great Britain, the USA, Brazil, Japan, China, and India, almost 5,000 development engineers and technicians are working on forward-looking concepts, products, and systems.

More information is available at:
www.mahle.com
www.mahle.com/mahle/en/news-and-press/

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150623006051/en/

MAHLE Industries, Incorporated
Jeff Trent or Alma Zgodic
+1-423-318-3124
jeff.trent@us.mahle.comor alma.zgodic@us.mahle.com
Media:
AutoCom Associates
Larry Weis or Merle Lueckens
+1-248-647-8621
lweis@usautocom.com or mlueckens@usautocom.com