SAO PAULO, Brazil - Delphi Automotive Systems' new air-conditioning compressor facility in Brazil has begun its support of GM do Brasil, which will feature several Brazilian-made vehicles equipped with Delphi's leading-edge Compact Variable Compressor (CVC compressor). 

Employees at Delphi's 10,000 square meter facility in Jaguariuna, approximately 100 km north of Sao Paulo, are manufacturing CVC compressors for GM do Brasil's Astra.  It's the one of several vehicles the plant will supply as a result of Delphi's contract with the automaker, worth in excess of US $25 million annually at full production. 

"We have a long history of supplying GM do Brasil with our advanced thermal management technology.  Our world-class CVC compressor represents an important addition to our local portfolio, offering GM a complete line of thermal management products," said Sandra McCulloch, director of South American operations for Delphi Harrison Thermal Systems.  Delphi has operated a facility in Piracicaba, approx. 80 km west of Jaguariuna, since 1991, supplying primarily GM do Brasil with heat exchangers and heating, ventilation and air conditioning modules. 

First produced in 1997 by Delphi in Europe, the CVC compressor represents the next generation of variable displacement piston technology. 

The Jaguariuna facility just recently began ramp-up activities relative to supporting GM do Brasil's production of the Astra in Sao Caetano do Sul. Next year, Delphi will build CVC compressors for GM do Brasil's production of the Vectra and S10/Blazer, and in 2002 it will add the Corsa -- also assembled in Argentina -- to the list of vehicles supplied. 

"The Brazilian economy is showing signs of recovery, and that will bode well for automakers like GM do Brasil who have remained strong in their commitment to succeed in this region.  We too have remained steadfast in our commitment to Brazil and the OEMs," McCulloch said. "With the local introduction of technically advanced products, such as our Compact Variable Compressor, our confidence to meet and exceed our customers' expectations in this region is high." 

Delphi already manufactures CVC compressors at its joint venture facility in Douai, France to support GM Europe's production of the Astra and Corsa, and production just started in Moraine, Ohio to support GM do Brasil's model year 2001 production of the Vectra. 

Featuring a "swash" plate configuration, the Compact Variable Compressor produces less noise and vibration than contemporary designs, and features best-in-class output performance.  With its wide range of displacement offerings and a high degree of design flexibility, the CVC compressor is adaptable to small, mid-sized and large vehicles.  Its highly efficient mode of operation allows automakers to realize savings in energy consumption, and is a key part of the Delphi's initiatives targeting energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. 

(August 14, 2000)