In recent months, filling up your fleet's gas tanks may be leaving a bigger hole in your wallet. Prices at the pump have jumped significantly stemming from rising wholesale gasoline prices. Throughout the U.S., regular gasoline prices average nearly $2 per gallon. With little relief in sight for the coming summer months, lawmakers, consumers and automakers have renewed their pursuit of more fuel-efficient vehicles and vehicle technology, while planning increased exploration and conservation of existing petroleum resources. Delphi Automotive Systems began developing fuel-efficient technologies long before the recent energy crunch. Delphi has introduced several industry first technologies to improve fuel economy, among other environmental benefits, and while many of Delphi's technologies are hidden from a visual standpoint they deliver significant performance and fuel savings benefits. These technologies can add 5-15 percent in fuel economy, depending upon the vehicle application. They include: E-STEER - an all-electric, engine independent power steering system that eliminates the traditional power steering pump, hose, hydraulic fluid and drive belt and pulley on the engine. E-STEER dramatically improves fuel economy performance saving consumers up to four percent compared to a hydraulic power steering system. E-STEER is entering the U.S. market in 2003. Direct Injection-Gasoline - While not anticipated to gain significant market share in the U.S. until 2008, direct injection-gasoline improves air/fuel combustion efficiency in the engine and reduces pumping loses. To maximize fuel economy benefits, injectors are mounted in the center of the combustion chamber and a spray-guided process is applied. Gasoline is injected directly into the combustion chamber resulting in an anticipated fuel economy of up to 15 percent. Cylinder Deactivation - Cylinder deactivation deactivates engine cylinders during low load conditions for improved fuel economy. For example, the engine controller directs the engine to generate power from only four of eight cylinders when idling in traffic. When in the four-cylinder mode, fuel and spark is not delivered to half of the cylinders, ensuring improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. For additional information about Delphi Automotive Systems visit www.delphiauto.com.