VW launches new environmental advertising campaign
Aside from diesels and their new direct injected gasoline TSI engines, Volkswagen hasn't exactly been on the cutting edge of alternative powertrains and even the diesels are using BlueTec emission controls licensed from Mercedes-Benz. To date VW hasn't shown any hybrids, electric vehicles, fuel cells or other advanced vehicles that are destined for production. They are apparently planning a hybrid version of the Touareg but the TSI and DSG gearboxes are the limit for now.So in lieu of actual new alternative products they are embarking on an advertising campaign in Germany to promote their green credentials such as they are. The thought is that they haven't adequately promoted the efforts they have made such as the lat 3L Lupo which was canceled after several years of poor sales. The new campaign will feature VWs in nature such as a red ladybug Beetle and will also emphasize technologies like TDI, TSI and DSG. They will also connect the ads to the upcoming launch of the Passat BlueMotion.
[Source: Just-Auto - Sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Marcel 2:09PM (5/30/2007)
Well,
AC Propulsion converted 7 cars for Volkswagen
To run as EV, so the did something.
http://www.acpropulsion.com/vehicles/all.htm
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amg 3:12PM (5/30/2007)
I think Subaru is doing something similar: I just saw an ad about how environmentally friendly their manufacturing plants are. Great, but I'd rather see a commercial about a hybrid Outback.
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Jimmy 3:43PM (5/30/2007)
Hang on now.. VW produced the most fuel efficient production car ever, the 3L Lupo TDI. VW produced the first flex-fuel car in Brazil. VW sells millions of small, fuel efficient cars all over the world.
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ME 5:17PM (5/30/2007)
#3, thank you.
Just because VW isn't going the electric/route does NOT mean they are 'not green'.
Maybe they are more realistic, instead of putting more load on all the coal fired power plants in the world, or adding weight and complexity to a car they are making small vehicles with on board clean and efficient power sources. The Lupo and Polo TDI's get as good or better mileage than most hybrids.
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Don 5:27PM (5/30/2007)
Why on earth did the 3L NOT enjoy healthy sales?
78 mpg? I want one!
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TDIMeister 7:03PM (5/30/2007)
I strongly beg to differ that VW has not been on the bus of alternative powertrains destined for production. In fact, in 1997 -- before hybrids were such a buzzword in the automotive industry -- VW through its Audi subsidiary had in fact introduced its A4 Duo for series production, but was short-lived in the market because of lack of public interest and as a result sales languished. Moreover it was a Diesel-electric hybrid.
VW is and has for over 3 decades been doing more for alternative propulsion R&D than most other automakers. Although the book was printed in 1991, anyone truly interested to have an insiders look at VW's R&D activities would be well advised to read Seiffert and Walzer's book, Automobile Technology of the Future.
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