Honeywell Boosts 2011 Chevrolet Sonic to 40 mpg Fuel Economy
New 1.4L Turbo Engine Enhances Both Fuel Efficiency and Performance
DETROIT -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that it would turbocharge the all-new Chevrolet Sonic unveiled this week at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Sonic launch expands the number of new smaller, turbocharged gas engines introduced into the U.S. auto market to boost fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
The turbocharged 1.4-liter Ecotec engine produces 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, but is still expected to get more than 40 mpg on the highway. It is the same engine used in the slightly larger Chevrolet Cruze, which delivers a class-leading 42 mpg highway rating according to the EPA.
The Sonic joins a fast growing group of Honeywell turbocharged fuel-efficient vehicles launched in the U.S. recently. These include several of Ford's line of EcoBoost vehicles, the Mercedes CL550 coupe and CL63/S63 AMG models, and the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, the world's first turbocharged hybrid.
"We have entered the modern era of turbochargers in the U.S.," said Alex Ismail, President and CEO of Honeywell Transportation Systems. "Car makers have made the decision that turbos will play a key role to help them deliver high performing engines that improve fuel efficiency. The future for turbo gasoline and diesel engines in the U.S. has never been brighter and we have seen some industry experts estimate turbo penetration to reach nearly 80% over the next decade as turbo gasoline, turbo hybrids and modern clean turbo diesels gain traction."
Turbo penetration in the U.S. is expected to grow from 5% today to 20% of all new cars during the next five years, led by a rapid uptake in new generation turbo gasoline powertrains.
Honeywell Turbo Technologies is the leading automotive turbocharger developer in the world, supplying technology solutions to nearly every major automaker in the world. The Turbo Technologies business is part of Honeywell Transportation Systems, which 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
CONTACT: Joe Toubes of Honeywell Transportation Systems, +1-424-221-7523, joe.toubes@honeywell.com; or Stephanie Saffer of Weber Shandwick, +1-212-445-8254, ssaffer@webershandwick.com, for Honeywell Transportation Systems
Web Site: www.honeywell.com
