Stop-Start technology on LCVs has been introduced only fairly recently, unlike in the case of passenger cars where the technology was introduced some years ago.

A Stop-Start system automatically shuts down and restarts the engine to reduce the amount of time the engine spends idling, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. This is most advantageous for vehicles which spend significant amounts of time waiting at traffic lights or frequently come to a stop in traffic jams. This feature is present in hybrid electric vehicles, but has also appeared in vehicles which lack a hybrid electric powertrain. For non-electric vehicles - called micro-hybrids - fuel economy gains from this technology are typically 5%.

Why was there such a delay in introducing Stop-Start technology on LCVs when, given the nature of their work schedule, you would have expected it to be have been introduced earlier? The answer is simply that it was not necessary because European legislation on emissions focussed initially on passenger cars because there are a lot more of them than there are LCVs. The biggest gain in reducing emissions for the VMs was to adapt the new Stop-Start technology in passenger cars first.

So why is Stop-Start technology now being introduced in so many LCVs?
Again, the answer is actually quite simple. In general LCVs have a longer lifespan than passenger cars. This technology is now coming in – depending on the individual VM – anywhere between one and five years later.

For example the Mercedes Sprinter has been equipped with Stop-Start since 2008, the starter being the same as on the E-Class and C-Class. The Vito has also been equipped since 2011. Volkswagen followed in 2012 with the Caddy and Transporter.

Ford is only now introducing Stop-Start technology this year on the new model Ford Transit as well as the Transit Connect and Transit Courier. Other LCVs now using Stop-Start technology are the Fiat Fiorino and Doblo, the Peugeot Bipper and the Citroen Nimo. The most recent announcement is the introduction of Stop-Start for the Mitsubishi Canter.

Why is Stop-Start so good for LCVs?

LCVs, by their very nature, cover a lot of miles every year. They spend a lot of time on trading estates and regularly have to contend with mud and other dirty environments. There is also the way that they are driven with regular stops and starts – sometimes 50 to 60 times a day – for delivery and collection. The owners do not want to have these off the road any more than absolutely necessary so they are very well looked after.

Because LCVs cover so many miles, the original components will deteriorate and fail more quickly. That is why we at Remy are already getting ready to supply the Aftermarket with remanufactured Stop-Start rotating products. Our first focus will be on the Mercedes Sprinter as that has now been on the market for some years now. However we will ensure that we are in a position to supply the highest quality remanufactured versions of all Stop-Start rotating products when the time comes for them to be replaced after the heavy wear which they will have endured.

LCVs - A Very Important Market
The LCV market is a very important market for us. When we look at the top 20 sellers in our rotating electrics line-up we find that there are a total of eight – six starters and two alternators – that are for LCVs. This includes our number 2 selling starter – for the Ford Transit and the alternator for the same Transit. In total, four of our top selling rotating products are for versions of the Ford Transit, with others being for replacement on the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner & Mercedes Sprinter.

Re-engineering Improvements – Ford Transit

As a very professional remanufacturer Remy always tries to make improvements to improve the durability and performance of our units. We will modify the original OE design of units – if we believe it necessary – to achieve this. On the Transit starter we have significantly improved the design of the unit so as to extend the life of the replacement unit. Following in-depth warranty analysis our engineers have found that the solenoid contacts and insulators have burnt/melted. The original solenoid design was failing prematurely, so we have developed and introduced an improved fixed contact design and the insulators now have a heat resistant material - which have both improved the reliability of the starter. These design improvements offer a much longer service life on the vehicle. These solenoid contacts and insulators are replaced 100% during our remanufacturing process for this starter motor part number.

As we remanufacture the current Stop-Start technology rotating products, each one will be carefully examined to see how and where can improve on the original design.

By Michael Flensborg, Sales & Marketing Director of Remy Automotive UK