volkswagen continues driving towards a green future
The environment is a hot topic today. With more drivers going green and car makers currently focusing on producing environment-friendly cars that will deliver less pollution for the environment, Volkswagen is placing full efforts on reducing emissions and fuel consumption in its models as well as pioneering the recyclability process. There are also plans to bring a hybrid to the market by 2008.
Growing shortage of fossil fuels and an environment that needs protecting more than ever before all set new challenges for automobile producers. In the first stage is the importance of utilising fossil fuels as efficiently and economically as possible while simultaneously offering a full measure of dynamics and comfort. Volkswagen has put its marks with vehicles like the Polo BlueMotion, the most fuel-efficient five-seater in the world, a universally fuel-efficient fleet of TDI engines, highly efficient and unique TSI engines (twin chargers) in the Golf and Touran, successful natural gas vehicles (EcoFuel) and a range of models that still leaves plenty of room for fulfilling automotive dreams.
In China, Volkswagen plans to spend US$600 million over the next four years to develop environmentally friendly engines, with the Group recently announcing plans for a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of vehicles produced in China with the help of modern engines, weight reduction, automatic gearboxes and other measures.
The current priority, because it is more effective, is to offer large numbers of TDI and TSI engines at economical prices to realise their immediate benefits with regard to oil consumption and emissions. However, Volkswagen will continue to research and further develop all potential engine types and introduce them as soon as it makes sense and is technically feasible. These include hybrid powertrain systems, such as the one Volkswagen presented in the form of a Touran prototype with its highly efficient combaination of a gasoline engine derived from the TSI engine, electric drive and dual clutch transmission (DSG).
The first hybrids are already being tested as there are plans to bring a hybrid to the market by 2008. In a recent interview with Business Week, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn explained, “Initially there will be an eco version of each of Volkswagen's models. We call it BlueMotion. We started with the Passat and Polo and we plan to continue with the Golf. These models feature highly efficient engines, low-resistance tires and a different type of transmission. They will be designed to be the leading vehicles in their class when it comes to reducing fuel consumption.”
The next important step on the way to the future is obtaining fuels from renewable raw materials. SunFuel that is produced from biomass and cellulose-ethanol is a second generation biofuel. The focus here has shifted specifically to the use of CO2-neutral biomass feedstocks that can be used to generate these synthetic fuels. Because SunFuel is produced from renewable raw materials such as biomass, when it is burned the amount of carbon dioxide released is equivalent to the amount originally removed from the atmosphere by the plants supplying the energy. When used as a fuel in conventional diesel engines, the extremely high-grade and clean SunFuel reduces particulate emissions by 30 percent and can also be used in older vehicles without technical modifications. Moreover, simple adjustments to the engine controller are sufficient to also reduce Nox emissions by up to 30 percent.
Volkswagen’s commitment to fossil-fuel efficiency and innovative achievements in car recycling technology has earned it global recognitions from environmental institutions. In the U.S.A., Volkswagen was ranked the most environmentally friendly car maker by renowned US market research institute J.D.Power, with the Golf, Jetta, and New Beetle placed among the lowest emission models with gasoline-powered engines.
In June 2007, Volkswagen was issued with two certificates for innovative, environmentally sound strategy from the Federal Motor Transport Authority in Germany (KBA). These are the first such certificates to be issued by KBA and confirm that the Volkswagen Group is the first automaker worldwide to produce series vehicles which are recyclable to a minimum of 85 percent and reusable to a minimum of 95 percent by mass. By December 2008, the new recycling requirements will become part of the type-approval procedure and oblige all vehicle manufacturers to submit a satisfactory strategy for ensuring the reusability of components and for the recycability and recoverability of materials.
Last year, Volkswagen was also presented the “European Business Award for the Environment” by the EU Commission and an environmental award by the Federation of German Industries (BDI) in recognition of its achievements in pioneering car recycling technology. Volkswagen developed the technology which converts waste back into raw materials.
Wherever it makes sense, Volkswagen will utilise its technology to support and contribute to an environmentally friendly world. In the Middle East region, Volkswagen is a committed supporter of the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), which is largely aimed at spreading environmental awareness through the education sector. One of the activities Volkswagen is actively supporting is the EEG’s regional Inter College Public Speaking Competition, which is currently in its seventh year, and includes universities/colleges from all over the GCC. The competition addresses environmental issues and encourages students from around the region to show interest in environmental issues and offer solutions by undertaking scientific research and airing their research findings through public speaking forums.
