Honeywell Develops Customized Turbo Solutions for Chinese Auto Industry

SHANGHAI, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON), the leading global developer of automotive turbochargers, will showcase a number of locally produced turbocharger solutions at Auto Shanghai 2011. The move demonstrates the company's ability to respond dynamically to the demands of the world's fastest growing automotive market.

Honeywell is developing turbos specifically suited for China vehicle applications, as the local sales of turbocharged light vehicles are expected to see an impressive growth of more than 20 percent in 2011 vs. 2010, up to 2.3 million units, driven by strong adoption of turbocharger technology across all vehicle segments and car manufacturers. Several Chinese-made vehicles featuring Honeywell turbochargers will be on display as the next wave of turbocharged vehicles include Chery's new 2.0L petrol G5 and JAC's 2.0L Refine and 1.9L Rein models.

"China's remarkable economic progress and the rapid growth of the country's middle class have translated into a sophisticated market that is more demanding than ever," said Alex Ismail, president and CEO of Honeywell Transportation Systems. "High performance and driving pleasure have become significant purchasing factors, but consumers also want cars that are affordable and fuel efficient. The beauty of turbocharger technology is that it allows carmakers to provide 20 percent to 40 percent more fuel economy, improved emissions to meet more stringent regulatory requirements and all without compromising performance."

Among the turbocharged vehicles on display in Shanghai is Chery's new Riich G5 luxury sedan which relies upon a Honeywell turbocharger as means of increasing performance and also providing additional low-end torque and improved driving characteristics. This turbo has been specifically designed for its gas engine and manual transmission to handle higher engine temperatures and provide increased durability.

Also on display is the JAC Refine 2.0L 4-cylinder using a Honeywell gasoline turbocharger which was designed and packaged for a tight engine compartment. The new engine allows for the replacement of a larger 2.4L naturally aspirated engine, and achieves the same performance characteristics as the larger engine it replaces. The Refine 2.0L turbo will have better fuel efficiency than its predecessor and meet future emissions requirements.

The JAC Rein's 1.9L diesel is another example of a vehicle taking advantage of the many benefits turbos offer. The mid-size crossover SUV gets an upgraded turbodiesel engine that helps it achieve better low-speed torque using a Honeywell VNT turbo – a turbo which is able to change its internal geometry to maximize air flow for better performance. Honeywell's VNT turbo is providing the Rein with better emissions, torque and fuel efficiency than its previous 2.8L turbodiesel.

Turbocharged vehicles have become more and more popular in China and now account for approximately 13 percent of all new light vehicles sales, and that penetration is expected to increase by 20 percent to 25 percent by 2015.

Honeywell opened its Shanghai Turbo Engineering Center in 2002, which has been central to the development of China-specific turbo solutions. The center also conducts testing, helping Chinese manufacturers apply Honeywell's technologies in their vehicles.

"We have dedicated significant resources into designing solutions for the China market," said Dinggui Gao, general manager of Honeywell Turbo Technologies, China. "Those investments are paying off, and we are steadily expanding our footprint here, which should signal that Honeywell is focused on providing high-tech solutions to China for the long term."

Honeywell Turbo Technologies is a business unit of Honeywell Transportation Systems, which also consists of Friction Materials. As a leading automotive supplier and 2011 PACE award winner for automotive innovation, technological advancement and business performance, Honeywell Transportation Systems enhances vehicle performance, efficiency and appearance through state-of-the-art technologies, world-class brands, and global solutions tailored for its automotive customers around the world.

Honeywell International (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.

SOURCE Honeywell