GM, BorgWarner win innovation partnership award for new stop-start system

General Motors has bagged an Innovation Partnership Award along with global component supplier BorgWarner for collaboration in a newly developed solenoid valve that is part of a stop/start system for a 2015 GM vehicle that will be announced later.

The accolade was handed out on April 7 at the Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence (PACE) Awards 20^th anniversary. Additionally, BorgWarner received a PACE award for the specific work it accomplished on the solenoid valve.

“Fuel economy improvements with stop/start systems are an example of our focus that strives to put the customer at the centre of everything we do,” said Steve Kiefer, vice-president of GM Global Powertrain Engineering. “Being recognized with an Innovation Partnership Award is special for General Motors as it affirms what we are determined to do – collaborate and partner successfully with the suppliers that can help improve our products.”

The solenoid valve is a low-noise, high-flow, low-leak valve that achieves quick hydraulic pressure for smooth launches when the engine restarts. The technology helps deliver improved fuel economy and performance as part of a stop/start system.

The stop/start system automatically shuts down the engine when the car comes to a stop under certain driving conditions, such as a stoplight. The engine automatically restarts when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake. 

Photograph (from left): Steve Kiefer, GM vice-president, Global Powertrain with Robin Kendrick, president and general manager BorgWarner Transmission Systems, accept the Innovation Partnership Award next to J Ferron, director of judges for the Automotive News PACE Awards, on Monday, April 7, 2014.