An engine-driven vehicle includes an energy recovery system (20) for recovering energy under braking of the vehicle. Under predetermined conditions, a controller selectively delivers recovered energy from a storage (24) via device (26) to motor the engine (12) above zero speed (e.g. at or above idle speed), preferably during engine fuel cut. The engine may be motored if the vehicle speed is below a threshold speed with zero torque demand for the vehicle driveline, or when the vehicle has been brought to a stop, for example. The step of delivering recovered energy to motor the engine (12) may be initiated if a door on the vehicle is opened or if a park brake on the vehicle is activated. Auxiliary systems are driven by the engine under influence of energy delivered from the energy recovery system to the engine when the vehicle is at rest. The energy recovery system may include a mechanical flywheel.