Vehicle and method of control thereof

摘要

A motor vehicle 100 comprises a drive means, e.g. engine 121, a transmission 124 and wheels 111-115 having brakes 111B-115B. An engine controller 121C is operable automatically to switch off and subsequently to restart the engine 121 during a drivecycle thereby reducing an amount of time during which the engine 121 is running. If a driver holds the vehicle stationary by applying brake means, e.g. brake pedal 130P or brake actuator 130A, the engine controller 121C switches off the engine 121 so as to achieve an eco-stop condition. When the brake means 130P, 130A is released the engine controller 121C adopts an eco-start condition and automatically restarts engine 121. If it is detected, e.g. via a seat belt buckle state detector, that a driver has departed the vehicle 100 a restraint controller 150C communicates with the engine controller 121C which prevents the restarting of the engine 121. In other embodiments a state of a door may used to indicate departure of the driver.