Ford is planning to offer start-stop technology on some models starting in 2012. Start-stop technology can improve vehicle's fuel economy by between five and 12 percent. When integrated with other fuel-saving technologies, it can improve vehicle's fuel economy by 18-25 percent. It doesn't offer quite as good fuel economy as hybrid technologies, but it's a heck of a lot cheaper. And, it's easy to integrate into a standard internal combustion car... the kind most of us drive today.

Ford start-stop technology incorporates a 12-volt battery in lieu of a car's traditional battery and starter. It's effectively capable of turning off the car's engine when the vehicle is not moving - for example, while you're waiting at a stop sign - while at the same time maintaining the functionality of accessories (i.e. sound system and AC).

Enhancing excitement over Ford's imminent stop-start, are reports that it will be simpler and even less expensive than one of the Blue Oval's foremost competitors...For the sake of putting everything on the table...Ford's stop-start system is also currently slightly less efficient than their competitor's. But remember, it's still in the development stage. According to Birgit Sorgenfrei, Program Manager, Ford Stop-Start Technology, "There are some minor hardware changes"¹ which have yet to be made.

At this time, the American automaker has not disclosed an official market price or revealed which vehicles in their lineup will get stop-start technology. But, Jerry's Ford Alexandria (located at 6510 Little River Turnpike Alexandria, VA) promises you'll be among the first to know, as soon as they do.

Source: ¹http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20069323-48.html