Smart selects Valeo StARS starter-alternator for fortwo micro hybrid

Valeo said its StARS micro-hybrid starter-alternator technology, part of the firm’s powertrain efficiency domain, will be standard equipment on the smart fortwo micro-hybrid drive (mhd). The StARS system can stop an engine at a red light or a traffic jam and then restart it immediately and silently when the brake is released. It’s said to offer significant fuel savings (up to 13% on the smart mhd in urban driving conditions) and emission reductions without disrupting a driver's normal driving habits.