It is a thought-provoking coincidence that the “Q-Air 2009” award was announced during the UN Environment Summit in Copenhagen.
There is no longer any doubt in the west or east that mankind’s future will depend largely on our ability to change the relationship between ourselves and the environment, and to find a new balance between quality of life and respect for nature.
Lancia can be rightly proud to see its longstanding dedication to the cause of the environment recognised by recent events. This dedication has a name – ECOCHIC – and is also the concept behind a new range of “environmentally friendly” cars, the Ypsilon Musa and Delta that embody an admirable new synthesis of luxury and accessibility, interior space and exterior compactness, lively performance and parsimonious consumption.
Lancia’s dedication to the environment cause was recognised at this year’s “Targa Blu” International Road Safety Awards ceremony, at which the “Q-Air 2009” award was conferred on the Lancia Delta Ecochic.
The “Targa Blu” nominations are prestigious international awards, and represent a unique quality certification for administrative bodies (regional, provincial and municipal councils) that have been especially active in promoting safety and mobility on the roads under their control.
Honorary “Targa Blu” awards were conferred on two Spanish and Slovenian cities at the ceremony held in Rome’s Palazzo Marino Conference Centre on the 16th December 2009. The Italian municipalities that contributed to the “Colonna Mobile BLU 1 – Polizia Locale Italia” mission in support of the communities affected by the Abruzzo earthquake were also recognised.
Because road safety demands wellbeing, the “Q-Air 2009” award sponsored by the European Group On Vehicle Air Indoor (EGO-VAI Q.) went to the vehicle that ensures the best air quality for its passengers. The Lancia Delta ECOCHICwas awarded this title for its excellence in maintaining the healthiest microclimate inside the possible passenger compartment. The Delta ECOCHIC's climate control system consists of an automatic two-zone air conditioner and an electronic control system that automatically manages temperature, air flow, air distribution, compressor functioning and recirculation. This intelligent system implements an “equivalent temperature” climate control strategy. Using a number of sensors to monitor temperature inside and outside the vehicle, the system evaluates the sensation of “wellbeing” experienced by the passengers. The system is even fitted with a special filter to captures particles of over 0.5 microns and pollen (the cause of many allergies).
Under the “Gran-Luce” sun-roof, which can open to reveal an impressive 1.46 square metres, passengers on board the Lancia Delta ECOCHIC soon discover the importance to accident prevention of functions like the quick-defrost ventilation system, and especially appreciate the constant alertness made possible by the psychological and physical wellbeing ensured by perfectly balanced temperature, humidity and ventilation.
The Lancia Delta is equipped with a powerful 120 HP 1.4 Turbo Jet, dual fuel (LPG and petrol) engine. The Delta is the flagship of the ECOCHIC range that also includes the Musa and Ypsilon. The ECOCHIC range is conceived to push forward the frontiers of automotive design in the direction of greater eco-compatibility and makes a tangible contribution to establishing a new balance in the relationship between man and his environment.
The Lancia Delta has also been awarded the “Climate Label” by Italian environmental association Legambiente.
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