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New Renault Laguna Launched in Paris

28 September 2000

New Renault Laguna Launched in Paris With Delphi's Advanced HVAC Technology

    PARIS, Sept. 28 Renault has chosen Delphi Automotive
Systems to provide its advanced climate control technology for the
next-generation Laguna, which the automaker officially debuted here at the
Mondial de l'Automobile 2000.  Delphi is responsible for developing and
supplying the entire heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system
for the Renault Laguna, and has already begun ramp-up activity to support that
program.  The Laguna will go on sale in Europe by early 2001, according to
Renault, competing in Europe's upper medium segment.
    When it does reach dealer showrooms, it will do so with some of Delphi's
most advanced climate control technology, such as an electronically controlled
air conditioning compressor, automatic operation and air toxicity sensors,
among others.  Such technology is critical to Delphi's goal to add greater
value to customer programs while answering motorists' call for more advanced
features and capabilities.
    "Vehicle air conditioning continues to grow significantly in Europe, due
in part to motorists who are becoming more demanding in what they want out of
their automobiles," said Tim Richards, director of European operations, Delphi
Thermal Systems.  "As it does, motorists are becoming more sophisticated in
what they want out of their automobiles."
    He noted that air conditioning penetration on the 2001 Renault Laguna is
expected to approach nearly 100 percent, reflecting the prevailing trend in
the European air conditioning market and the commitment of OEMs like Renault
to enhance the driving experience for its customers.
    "Renault's product line illustrates the company's drive to bring fresh and
innovative products to the European market -- vehicles that are anything
except basic transportation," Richards continued.  "To do that, it needs its
suppliers to provide excellence in all areas and that's something we strive
for as we continue to grow our relationship with Renault."
    Delphi is supplying the HVAC systems for all versions of the Laguna.  The
lifetime value of the contract is valued at more than USD $550 million, based
on customer volume forecasts.
    The HVAC systems will be assembled and shipped by Delphi's operation in
Donchery, France.  A number of key components that comprise the HVAC module
are also manufactured in Europe by Delphi's Thermal division, including the
evaporator (Donchery), heater core and accumulator dehydrator (Ostrow, Poland)
and the electronically controlled air conditioning compressor (Douai, France).
The Laguna will also feature Delphi's electronically controlled air
conditioning compressor (produced in Douai, France).  It marks the first
large-volume application of the electronically controlled compressor -- a
technology that's critical to improving fuel economy and reducing vehicle
emissions.  It provides electronic displacement control for the compressor,
allowing for the reduction of power needed to operate the compressor and
providing the potential for exhaust emissions reductions by minimizing air
conditioning load.