AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[VW sustaniability report shows emissions, production progress]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/vw-sustaniability-report-shows-emissions-production-progress/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/vw-sustaniability-report-shows-emissions-production-progress/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/vw-sustaniability-report-shows-emissions-production-progress/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The most recent companywide sustainability report from Volkswagen comes in at a tidy 168 pages. Here's hoping not too many folks took out trees by printing the whole thing out.

Europe's biggest automaker said it has reduced the amount of both energy and water required to make each vehicle by 10 percent during the past two years. Additionally, average new-car emissions on Volkswagen's European fleet has dropped about seven percent during that time.

VW, which so far has turned more to diesel than to electric-drive for fuel-efficiency gains, is looking to boost its environmental credibility, even going as far as making nice with Greenpeace after a couple years of salvos, mostly from Greenpeace. Last month, Volkswagen Chairman Martin Winterkorn and Greenpeace Chief Executive Director Brigitte Behrens met for the first time to pledge collective support of Europe's tightening emissions standards.

Read VW's press release below and get access to the link to the report here.

Continue reading VW sustaniability report shows emissions, production progress

VW sustaniability report shows emissions, production progress originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emissionsfactorysustainabilityvolkswagenvwSun, 28 Apr 2013 15:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20550121/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20550121/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/28/vw-sustaniability-report-shows-emissions-production-progress/20550121/article-detail.xml 20550121 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/vw-co2-emissions-timeline_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/vw-co2-emissions-timeline.png <![CDATA[VW, Greenpeace agree on tighter emissions standards, 95 g/km of CO2 by 2020]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/vw-greenpeace-agree-tighter-emissions-standards/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/vw-greenpeace-agree-tighter-emissions-standards/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/vw-greenpeace-agree-tighter-emissions-standards/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Greenpeace

We're not expecting the next whaling-ship ramming Greenpeace boat to have a VW logo on it, but it's nice that the two entities are finally getting together in the name of lower emissions.

Volkswagen and Greenpeace leaders recently agreed that Europe's largest automaker would pledge to cut its fleetwide new-vehicle emissions to 95 g/km of CO2 by the end of the decade by increasing sales of diesels and electric-drive vehicles.

Volkswagen Chairman Martin Winterkorn and Greenpeace Chief Executive Director Brigitte Behrens met for the first time to ease what has, at times, been a frosty dialogue between VW and the environmental group. The result was VW pledging to "do everything in our power" to reach the lower emissions level, as proposed by the European Commission last summer. This level would represent about a 30-percent reduction in average emissions from last year.

In 2011, Greenpeace activists started poking fun at the much lauded VW-Darth Vader TV commercial, even going as far as dressing up as Imperial Stormtroopers as VW auto executives enteedg a meeting of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (Acea) in Brussels. Greenpeace was at it again last year, saying that VW's new diesel-hybrid Golf wasn't as eco-friendly as the vehicle maker made it out to be. This new agreement augurs a new hope, doesn't it? Check out VW's press release below.

Continue reading VW, Greenpeace agree on tighter emissions standards, 95 g/km of CO2 by 2020

VW, Greenpeace agree on tighter emissions standards, 95 g/km of CO2 by 2020 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecemissionseueuropean commissioneuropean uniongreenpeacevolkswagenvwTue, 02 Apr 2013 14:05:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20522922/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20522922/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/02/vw-greenpeace-agree-tighter-emissions-standards/20522922/article-detail.xml 20522922 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vw-dark-side-climate-lobby_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vw-dark-side-climate-lobby.png <![CDATA[VW hints hyper-efficient, 260-mpg XL1 could come to US, but only to show off]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/vw-hints-hyper-efficient-260-mpg-xl1-could-come-to-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/vw-hints-hyper-efficient-260-mpg-xl1-could-come-to-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/vw-hints-hyper-efficient-260-mpg-xl1-could-come-to-us/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volkswagen XL1 - white - front three-quarter view

While the limited-production Volkswagen XL1 diesel-hybrid coupe is earmarked for Europe, a small number of the super-light vehicles may find their way to this side of the pond, Plug In Cars says, citing an interview with Volkswagen of America CEO Jonathan Browning.

As many as 20 of the projected 250 XL1s may be brought to the US for testing, though how VW would get around the fact that the car's haven't been safety-tested for American roads remains to be seen. We asked VW of America's manager of product and technology communications, Mark Gillies, who poured water on the idea of the XL1 being available in the US: "Not happening. Ever." Gillies did say some XL1 might come here as part of a publicity effort or test drive, but that's about it. Thus, the car won't be sold in America, but a few examples might be spotted here.

Weighing about 1,750 pounds - about 60 pounds less than a Smart ForTwo - the XL1 gets an astonishing 260 miles per gallon. That means that even with a fuel tank that holds just 2.64 gallons, the VW can go upwards towards 700 miles on a full tank of diesel. The car combines a 0.8-liter turbocharged two-cylinder diesel engine with a 27-horsepower electric motor. It's loud and proud of its efficiency numbers, as you can read in our recent first-drive review.

VW hints hyper-efficient, 260-mpg XL1 could come to US, but only to show off originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieseldiesel hybridhybridvolkswagenvwxl1Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20524002/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20524002/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/vw-hints-hyper-efficient-260-mpg-xl1-could-come-to-us/20524002/article-detail.xml 20524002 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vwxl1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vwxl1.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen to use CO2 as future refrigerant for air conditioning systems]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/volkswagen-to-use-co2-as-future-refrigerant-for-air-conditioning/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/volkswagen-to-use-co2-as-future-refrigerant-for-air-conditioning/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/volkswagen-to-use-co2-as-future-refrigerant-for-air-conditioning/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

jetta ac controls

Another German automaker has rejected the air conditioning refrigerant that's scheduled to be adopted by global automakers in 2017. Earlier this month, Volkswagen lined up with Daimler and BMW to support Daimler's findings from last year that the new refrigerant, called HFO-1234yf, can become flammable.

Volkswagen says it will be rolling out its own carbon-dioxide-based air conditioning systems. The European Union wants to have HFO-1234yf, which was designed by Honeywell and DuPont, replace the coolant currently in use, HFC-134a to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and its global warming potential. Daimler engineers discovered HFO-1234yf could spark a fire under the hood, with the potential to destroy the car and emit highly toxic gas while burning.

An automotive working group - the Cooperative Research Program - was formed last year to study the matter. Daimler conducted its own flammability tests and became concerned enough about vehicle safety to leave the working group, along with BMW. Volkswagen's Audi division also expressed concern and is now part of Volkswagen's decision to join ranks with its German allies and dismiss adoption of HFO-1234yf as the new refrigerant.

European Union Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani appears unwilling to accept the decision by Germany's "Big 3" automakers or a written request from German ministers asking for a temporary suspension of the new EU law. While Tajani said he would listen, he also said that he would begin infringement proceedings against any member state that did not comply with the new rules. "Since there was some information from Germany there was a problem, I am obliged to ask for information, but it's not giving them time. I am not weak," Tajani told Reuters.

There's no word yet what other agencies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency may do about it. Honeywell and Dupont would be holding a billion-dollar monopoly starting in 2017 if HFO-1234yf goes through. They're bound to support Industry Commissioner Tajani's decision.

Continue reading Volkswagen to use CO2 as future refrigerant for air conditioning systems

Volkswagen to use CO2 as future refrigerant for air conditioning systems originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air conditioningco2daimleremissionseuropean unionhfo-1234yfrefrigerantvehicle safetyvwMon, 25 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20515014/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20515014/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/25/volkswagen-to-use-co2-as-future-refrigerant-for-air-conditioning/20515014/article-detail.xml 20515014 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2012-vw-jetta-gli-ac_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2012-vw-jetta-gli-ac.jpg <![CDATA[Kansas City teens convert VW Karmann Ghia into all-electric, zero-emission beauty]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/kansas-city-teens-convert-vw-karmann-ghia-electric-vehicle/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/kansas-city-teens-convert-vw-karmann-ghia-electric-vehicle/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/kansas-city-teens-convert-vw-karmann-ghia-electric-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Minddrive's converted VW Karmann Ghia

Some kids from the Show Me State are certainly showing us how it's done with this converted, all-electric Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. In this case, a group of at-risk teens converted one of the classic VW compacts to all-electric power. It was unveiled at the Kansas City International Autoshow last week.

The teens are part of a group called Minddrive, and the '67 VW is the third car they've converted to an all-electric drivetrain. Minddrive has also built a battery-electric prototype called the Lola EV off of an Indy Car chassis and took a converted 1977 Lotus Esprit across the country. The Karmann Ghia has a 30-mile single-charge range and tops out at 45 miles per hour.

Minddrive, a nonprofit, gets funding from Hertz and fast-food restaurant operator Sonic, among other entities. The conversion program isn't just pure learning lessons, since the group is looking to produce enough kit parts for one EV conversion a month. For more on the Karmann Ghia converstion, check out Minddrive's press release and two videos, one a time-lapse of the Lola build, below.

Continue reading Kansas City teens convert VW Karmann Ghia into all-electric, zero-emission beauty

Kansas City teens convert VW Karmann Ghia into all-electric, zero-emission beauty originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleevhigh schoolkansas citykarmann ghiaminddriveschoolvwTue, 19 Mar 2013 15:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20509016/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20509016/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/19/kansas-city-teens-convert-vw-karmann-ghia-electric-vehicle/20509016/article-detail.xml 20509016 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/minddrive-1363647359_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/minddrive-1363647359.png <![CDATA[VW launching at least six plug-in hybrids after 2014]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/vw-launching-at-least-six-plug-in-hybrids-after-2014/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/vw-launching-at-least-six-plug-in-hybrids-after-2014/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/vw-launching-at-least-six-plug-in-hybrids-after-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

volkswagen crossblue concept

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will play a big role in the moves the Volkswagen Group is making towards increased e-mobility starting in 2014. Oliver Schmidt, general manager engineering and environmental office for Volkswagen Group of America, speaking at the recent SAE 2013 Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Technologies Symposium, said the automaker will be launching at least six plug-in hybrid models across its brands.

Schmidt was somewhat vague about details on the six PHEVs. At least two will be Volkswagen models - a plug-in hybrid version of the European Passat and a plug-in hybrid Golf. Some will be Audis, though how many wasn't specified. He did say, "Then in '14 and beyond the products that we want to do are plug-in hybrids for the bigger Audis."

Currently, VW is producing five hybrid models that could see plug-in versions - the Touareg and Jetta from Volkswagen, the Porsche Cayenne S and Panamera S and the Audi Q5. There are two more hybrids in pre-production - the Audi A6 and A8, Schmidt said, though he didn't specify whether any of these seven hybrid models will have plug-in hybrid counterparts.

Two recently unveiled plug-in hybrid concept cars could be among the seven Schmidt mentioned? The Volkswagen XL1 concept was shown at the Geneva Motor Show and VW has promised a limited production run of 250 units, at least. The Volkswagen CrossBlue SUV concept (pictured) was on display at the Detroit Motor Show.

Green Car Congress points out that Volkswagen's MQB (Modularen Querbaukasten, aka Modular Transverse Matrix) will play a part in developing plug-in hybrid technology. MQB standardizes engine component parameters used by the automaker in engines across its brands and vehicle classes. So, for example, the Volkswagen Golf now has the same orientation and assembly position whether it uses a gasoline or diesel engine. This standardization will also simplify the development of alternative powertrains such as hybrids and plug-in hybrids. The CrossBlue highlights the evolution of technologies that will play a role in future MQB-based electrified vehicles, Schmidt said.

VW launching at least six plug-in hybrids after 2014 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossblueplug in hybridporschevolkswagenvolkswagen xl1Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:05:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20497490/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20497490/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/18/vw-launching-at-least-six-plug-in-hybrids-after-2014/20497490/article-detail.xml 20497490 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/volkswagne-crossblue-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/volkswagne-crossblue-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen chief says fuel-cell vehicles not possible at a "reasonable cost"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/volkswagen-chief-fuel-cell-vehicles-not-possible/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/volkswagen-chief-fuel-cell-vehicles-not-possible/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/volkswagen-chief-fuel-cell-vehicles-not-possible/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hydrogen refueling

The head of Europe's biggest carmaker says the prospects for hydrogen vehicles are vanishing into thin air. Yes, when recently asked about fuel-cell technology, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn said it's nearly impossible to build those vehicles at a "reasonable cost."

As Automotive News reports, VW will keep on conducting research into fuel cells, but the company's focus recently has been on ramping up a broadened line of hybrid and battery-electric vehicles. Earlier this month, VW unveiled the XL1 diesel plug-in car at the Geneva Motor Show. Volkswagen says that model will get a whopping 261 miles per gallon.

Automakers like Toyota, Honda and Hyundai are preparing to debut their first production hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (albeit in small numbers) in 2015, and they're not the only ones. In late January, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, Ford and Nissan announced a partnership to develop a "common" fuel cell drivetrain for vehicles that will be introduced as soon as 2017. Daimler has long pushed fuel-cell technology and announced last June that it was working with the German Federal Ministry of Transportation and Linde at more than tripling Germany's hydrogen fueling stations to at least 50 in 2015, an increase from the 15 that were installed as of last year.

Volkswagen chief says fuel-cell vehicles not possible at a "reasonable cost" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 16 Mar 2013 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel cellh2hydrogenvolkswagenvwwinterkornSat, 16 Mar 2013 15:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20504990/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20504990/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/16/volkswagen-chief-fuel-cell-vehicles-not-possible/20504990/article-detail.xml 20504990 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/hydrogen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/hydrogen.jpg <![CDATA[New Volkswagen E-Up! debuts with 93-mile range, Combined Charging System]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/new-volkswagen-e-up-debuts-with-93-mile-range-combined-chargin/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/new-volkswagen-e-up-debuts-with-93-mile-range-combined-chargin/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/new-volkswagen-e-up-debuts-with-93-mile-range-combined-chargin/#commentsFiled under: ,

Production Volkswagen E-Up! - front three-quarter studio shot

Excited as always, the new E-Up! from Volkswagen is making its debut today at the Annual Press and Investors Conference in VW's home town of Wolfsburg, Germany. But wait, you're saying, we first saw the E-Up! at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, so what's this "debut" that VW is talking about?

Well, this is the "first fully electric production vehicle," and there are some differences from the 2009 version in style (see the front fascia and wheels, for example) and substance (the earlier concept had a 3+1 seating arrangement, which this one is a more standard, if tiny, four-seater).

This new all-electric E-Up! has a 18.7-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that offers a range of 150 kilometers (93 miles, on the NEDC test) and has quick charging to get 80 percent of its charge back in 30 minutes. The port is VW's Combined Charging System (CCS) that supports DC and AC charging. With an electric motor offering 60 kW of peak power, the sprint from zero to 62 mph takes a lengthy 14 seconds, but once on the go, the top speed is 84 mph.

In 2010, there were reports that the E-Up! would someday be available in the US. Today's announcement doesn't say anything about North America, it just confirms that the new E-Up! will be shown at the Frankfurt show later this year, with orders opening up after the show. Want to know more about VW's growing Up! franchise? Read our review of the gas-powered model here. Not green enough? VW also offers the Eco Up!, which can burn natural gas for roughly 56 US miles per gallon.

Continue reading New Volkswagen E-Up! debuts with 93-mile range, Combined Charging System

New Volkswagen E-Up! debuts with 93-mile range, Combined Charging System originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Golf PHEV

Good news travels fast, and in the case of Volkswagen and its the Golf plug-in hybrid, a little faster than we thought. Europe's biggest automaker, which was previously thought to be debuting the Golf PHEV in 2015, is apparently bumping that timetable up to next year, UK's Autocar reports.

The Golf Mk7 Plug-In Hybrid, set for a 2014 launch date, will pair a 148-horsepower, 1.4-liter gas engine with a 100-horsepower electric motor that will deliver mind-boggling fuel economy equivalent of 188 miles per gallon - on the more lenient European testing cycle, at least. Performance should be well-received, too, since the car will be able to scoot from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about seven and a half seconds and will be able to go 31 miles in electric-only mode.

The Golf Mk7 Plug-In Hybrid will have the same powertrain as the Audi A3 E-tron PHEV. That car will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Our first drive review of the standard 2014 Golf is available here.

Volkswagen Golf plug-in hybrid now due in 2014 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audie-tronelectric vehiclegolfgolf mk7phevplug-in hybridvolkswagenvwThu, 28 Feb 2013 12:09:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20473942/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20473942/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/28/vw-golf-plug-in-hybrid-coming-in-2014/20473942/article-detail.xml 20473942 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/golfphev_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/golfphev.jpg <![CDATA[VW starts up largest solar park at US auto factory in Chattanooga, TN]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/vw-largest-solar-park-us-auto-factory-chattanooga/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/vw-largest-solar-park-us-auto-factory-chattanooga/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/vw-largest-solar-park-us-auto-factory-chattanooga/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

vw jetta hybrid with solar panel

In December 2011, the Volkswagen plant near Chattanooga, TN was certified LEED Platinum. That's a difficult level to reach - as we described at the time - but the one billion dollars the company spent there fit snugly into the VW corporate storyline: we're going to make cleaner cars at cleaner plants. We're going to reduce CO2 emissions by 30 percent (between 2006 and 2015). We're going to make sure our production facilities are 25 percent more "environmentally compatible." We're going to Think Blue.

"No other factory, so far, has achieved the Platinum reward."

Today, VW made good on one important piece of its LEED Platinum promise: generating its own clean energy. The huge new solar park that was turned on today was always part of the Chattanooga plan, but its official start marks one more way that VW is at the forefront when it comes to building cars cleanly. As Frank Fischer, CEO and chairman of Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations, put is, "No other factory, so far, has achieved the Platinum reward. The solar park represents the last milestone that we have to take. We promised to build the solar park, and now it will start to run."

Located just a short bus ride away from the factory, the 65-acre solar park (33 of which are the solar panels themselves) is the largest single array in Tennessee. It is also the largest solar park at a US auto factory. It is made up of 33,600 individual solar panels that together generate 9.58 megawatts of DC power (that's at the panels, it's 7.6 MW of AC power going into the plant) and 13.1 gigawatt hours of electricity a year. That's 12.5 percent of the plant's power needs. In CO2 terms, this means emissions are reduced by 6,675 tons a year, or the amount that 360 average US homes would generate.

VW currently builds the Passat in Tennessee, and last year - the first year of full operation - the company built 152,546 vehicles there, beating the target of 145,000. While most of these are sold in the US, some are exported to our North American neighbors as well as South Korea and the Middle East. The solar park is international as well, since VW partnered with Phoenix Solar, a German solar company with operations around the world, and Silicon Ranch.

When we first visited VW's Chattanooga facility, the message we were left with was that the global automaker was going to use lessons learned in the rolling hills of Hamilton County in other plants around the world. Today, VW called the plant a "benchmark and a role model," and said that energy-saving techniques like lighting optimization, heat recovery and base load reduction would be implemented in VW plants in places like Yizheng, China and Silao, Mexico.
Wolfram Thomas, Group Chief Officer for the Environment, Energy and New Business Areas, said today that, "All our 100 plants are to be environmentally optimized. All our plants must become 25 percent more environmentally compatible." We look forward to seeing how this all plays out, wherever the sun shines.

Continue reading VW starts up largest solar park at US auto factory in Chattanooga, TN

VW starts up largest solar park at US auto factory in Chattanooga, TN originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chattanoogapassatphoenix solarsilicon ranchsolarvolkswagenvwWed, 23 Jan 2013 19:47:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20435174/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20435174/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/23/vw-largest-solar-park-us-auto-factory-chattanooga/20435174/article-detail.xml 20435174 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/volkswagen-chattanooga-solar-park-0-628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/volkswagen-chattanooga-solar-park-0-628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Volkwagen wants to be "the leader in electrification"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/volkwagen-wants-to-be-the-leader-in-electrification/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/volkwagen-wants-to-be-the-leader-in-electrification/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/volkwagen-wants-to-be-the-leader-in-electrification/#commentsFiled under: ,

Volkswagen E-Golf

Europe's largest automaker continues to talk big when it comes to launching and expanding its plug-in vehicle offerings in both Europe and the US. Volkswagen this week outlined its goal to become "the leader in electrification" starting with the debut of the e-up! city electric-vehicle in Europe this fall, Plug In Cars reports.

VW's Dr. Rudolf Krebs went further, saying that the German automaker set a goal of having plug-ins account for three percent of its global sales by 2018. VW's first US plug-in, the E-Golf, will debut stateside next year.

How VW will take a leadership role in electric-drive technology is unclear, as the company didn't reveal much detail beyond launching as many as six plug-in hybrids through its Audi division starting next year. Audi recently cancelled the A2 electric vehicle project. Regardless, Krebs said that VW, whose US efforts to boost fleetwide fuel economy have been almost exclusively through clean-diesel vehicles, would only be able to meet stricter emissions standards via electric-drive technology. In 2011, VW debuted its Think Blue program to push for more environmentally friendly transportation options and last year started testing the E-Golf throughout various US cities.

Volkwagen wants to be "the leader in electrification" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-golfe-upelectric vehicleplug-in hybridvolkswagenvwWed, 09 Jan 2013 11:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20422162/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20422162/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/09/volkwagen-wants-to-be-the-leader-in-electrification/20422162/article-detail.xml 20422162 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/e-golf-drive-15-1357681683_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/e-golf-drive-15-1357681683.jpg <![CDATA[VW will expand PHEV offerings from Porsche in 2014]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/vw-will-expand-phev-offerings-from-porsche-in-2014/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/vw-will-expand-phev-offerings-from-porsche-in-2014/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/vw-will-expand-phev-offerings-from-porsche-in-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Porsche Panamera

Volkswagen is two-pronging its approach to alt-fuel vehicles by expanding its stable of plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) starting in 2014 while continuing to boost its push for more sales of its clean-diesel vehicles.

Europe's largest automaker is adding PHEV versions of the Porsche Panamera and 918 Spyder to the electric-drive vehicles set to debut in 2014, Reuters reports, citing an interview with VW electric-car head Rudolf Krebs.

VW, which will also start selling PHEV versions of the Golf, Passat and Audi Q7 SUV in 2014, will spend a "considerable" percentage of its $9.13 billion annual research and development budget on electric-drive advancements.

VW started selling its first hybrid, a gas-electric version of the Touareg SUV, in 2010, 13 years after Toyota introduced the Prius. But the company is looking to take advantage of what IHG Automotive says will be an eightfold annual increase in PHEV sales between 2013 and 2018.

Volkswagen was among the group of large German automakers that recently launched the "Clean Diesel. Clearly Better" campaign to push for clean-diesel sales in the US. Diesels account for more than half the new car sales in Europe, though less than three percent in the States.

VW will expand PHEV offerings from Porsche in 2014 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audielectric vehicleplug-in hybridporschevolkswagenTue, 18 Dec 2012 15:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20405414/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20405414/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/18/vw-will-expand-phev-offerings-from-porsche-in-2014/20405414/article-detail.xml 20405414 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/porschepanamera-1355782191_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/porschepanamera-1355782191.jpg <![CDATA[German automakers renew push for clean-diesel sales in US]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/german-automakers-renew-push-for-clean-diesel-sales-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/german-automakers-renew-push-for-clean-diesel-sales-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/german-automakers-renew-push-for-clean-diesel-sales-in-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Audi clean-diesel SUV

Germany's largest automakers are renewing their pitch for their clean-diesel vehicles in the US as a way for consumers to combat high gas prices without having to resort to the (often) even pricier hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen, along with auto-component supplier Bosch, have joined together in a campaign titled: "Clean Diesel. Clearly Better." The project, developed with the German Association of the Automobile Industry (VDA), includes the website Clearly Better Diesel, which outlines the advantages of diesel powertrains in light-duty vehicles, and will be fully unveiled at Detroit's North American International Auto Show next month.

While clean-diesel sales have more than doubled in the US since 2009, they still account for less than three percent of new-car sales in the US. In Western Europe, more than half of the new cars sold are oil burners. In the US, through November of this year, Volkswagen's clean-diesel sales have jumped 32 percent from 2011 to 82,981 units, while Audi's diesel sales are actually down slightly to 6,555 vehicles. Last month, Audi said it will add a clean-diesel option to its A6, A7, A8 sedans as well as its Q5 crossover. Those models are getting a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel that will deliver 240 horsepower. The A8 diesel will start sales in the US next spring, while the others will debut by the end of 2013. The VDA's press release is available below.

Continue reading German automakers renew push for clean-diesel sales in US

German automakers renew push for clean-diesel sales in US originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audibmwboschcampaignclean dieseldaimlerdieselmercedes-benzvolkswagenThu, 13 Dec 2012 15:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20401484/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20401484/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/13/german-automakers-renew-push-for-clean-diesel-sales-in-us/20401484/article-detail.xml 20401484 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audidiesel-1355346600_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audidiesel-1355346600.jpg <![CDATA[VW launches Eco Up!, can burn natural gas or biomethane]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/vw-launches-eco-up-can-burn-natural-gas-or-biomethane/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/vw-launches-eco-up-can-burn-natural-gas-or-biomethane/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/vw-launches-eco-up-can-burn-natural-gas-or-biomethane/#commentsFiled under: ,

volkswagen up

If you won't change the car, perhaps you can change the fuel. This is part of the alt-energy strategy that Volkswagen is employing as it works on electric vehicles. To wit, its project with Solazyme to make renewable diesel and also the Eco Up! vehicle.

VW is launching the compressed natural gas-powered Eco Up!, which the company calls "the world's most fuel-efficient natural gas passenger car." The little city car burns 2.9 kilograms of CNG to go 100 kilometers (62 miles) and emits 79 grams of CO2 per km. That is roughly equivalent to 56 US miles per gallon. The only natural gas passenger vehicle available for sale in the US, the 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas, gets 31 mpg (combined). The Eco Up!, though, is not destined for sale here. Instead, VW is launching the car in Europe, where there is talk of making fuel for natural gas vehicles from biomass sources, such as renewable biomethane. VW also says:

Gas also offers the opportunity of storing electrical energy from renewable sources such as wind power. This involves producing hydrogen by electrolysis, which can be used to operate future fuel cell vehicles. However, until this complex and expensive drive technology debuts on a broad scale, the hydrogen can also be used to produce methane in a second step of the process chain. In turn, the methane can be used as a fuel for cars such as the new eco up!

Whew.

There are more details below.

Continue reading VW launches Eco Up!, can burn natural gas or biomethane

VW launches Eco Up!, can burn natural gas or biomethane originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biomethanecngnatural gasrenewable energyupvolkswagenvwWed, 05 Dec 2012 09:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20394657/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20394657/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/05/vw-launches-eco-up-can-burn-natural-gas-or-biomethane/20394657/article-detail.xml 20394657 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/vw-up-black_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/vw-up-black.jpg <![CDATA[VW Jetta Hybrid driver hits 49.9 mpg in 400-mile California eco-driving rally]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/vw-jetta-hybrid-49-9-mpg-400-mile-california-eco-rally/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/vw-jetta-hybrid-49-9-mpg-400-mile-california-eco-rally/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/vw-jetta-hybrid-49-9-mpg-400-mile-california-eco-rally/#commentsFiled under: ,

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid and Think Blue

We all know they really wanted to hit that 50 mile per gallon mark, but 49.9 mpg will have to do. That's what Frank Zauft, the most fuel-efficient driver, achieved in the first-ever "Think Blue. World Championship" competition (yes, the period's supposed to be there) that Volkswagen has conducted in the US with the Jetta Hybrid.

The 402-mile rally wound from San Francisco to Santa Monica, covering both city streets and highways. Europe's biggest automaker is pushing its "Think Blue" series of events as a way to increase eco-awareness by promoting everything from more fuel-efficient cars to more energy-efficient factories.

VW first showed off the Jetta Hybrid at the Detroit Auto Show in January and said the car would get a combined 45 miles per gallon while being able to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 9.0 seconds. Volkswagen said in October that the model would go on sale in the US at the end of the year with a sticker price of $24,995. We've put VW's press release on the Think Blue competition below.

Continue reading VW Jetta Hybrid driver hits 49.9 mpg in 400-mile California eco-driving rally

VW Jetta Hybrid driver hits 49.9 mpg in 400-mile California eco-driving rally originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 01 Dec 2012 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiafrank zauftfuel economyhybridjettathink bluevolkswagenSat, 01 Dec 2012 09:07:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20391494/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20391494/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/01/vw-jetta-hybrid-49-9-mpg-400-mile-california-eco-rally/20391494/article-detail.xml 20391494 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/vw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/vw.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen "Thinks Blue," takes pride in its energy-efficient plants]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/volkswagen-thinks-blue-takes-pride-in-its-energy-efficient-pl/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/volkswagen-thinks-blue-takes-pride-in-its-energy-efficient-pl/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/volkswagen-thinks-blue-takes-pride-in-its-energy-efficient-pl/#commentsFiled under: , ,

volkswagen think blue slogan


More than 350 employees from 21 Volkswagen manufacturing plants met in Wolfsburg, Germany, to discuss the campaign to make the global automaker more green - or, actually, the eco color that Volkswagen calls "blue." At the "Think Blue. Factory." annual meeting, details were presented on how all Volkswagen brand plants are reducing energy and water consumption and wastewater production, along with reducing CO2 emissions per vehicle by 25 percent by 2018.

Volkswagen plants were honored for achieving the best solutions for reducing energy consumption, and for meeting two major corporate goals for production: more sustainability and less environmental impact. In the "lowest base load" category, the Energy Efficiency Award for lowest energy consumption was awarded to the Pamplona, Spain and Polkowice, Poland plants. In the "best performance" category recognizing highest reduction in energy consumption compared to the previous year, the award went to plants in Polkowice, Poland and Pune, India, as well as the plastic parts production unit at the Wolfsburg plant.

Presentations were made by executives on results achieved at German plants. The Kassel plant installed an energy-efficient internal lining for hardening surfaces in component production. The Brunswick components plant described how its plastics technology used an innovative high-temperature filter. Emden reported on the world's largest geothermal energy facility located directly on the North Sea coast.

Volkswagen started the "Think Blue" campaign in 2010 to show that "Environmental protection is the top priority for Volkswagen." The blue/green theme has also been deployed by German competitor Mercedes through its high-performance, fuel-efficient Bluetec product lineup. BMW is committed to sustainability through electric drive and corporate environmental responsibility measures. Japanese and US automakers are also investing in green technology for plant efficiency, alternative powertrains and high-mileage vehicles.

In an era of increasing global competition, national fuel economy and emissions standards, rising fuel prices and consumer interest in sustainability, you can expect to see similar campaigns from more automakers. It's becoming more commonplace as part of their brand identification.

Continue reading Volkswagen "Thinks Blue," takes pride in its energy-efficient plants

Volkswagen "Thinks Blue," takes pride in its energy-efficient plants originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>energy efficiencygerman automakersmanufacturing plantsustainabilitythink bluevolkswagenThu, 15 Nov 2012 08:11:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20377907/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20377907/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/15/volkswagen-thinks-blue-takes-pride-in-its-energy-efficient-pl/20377907/article-detail.xml 20377907 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/vw-think-blue-1352848833_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/vw-think-blue-1352848833.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Volkwagen Jetta Hybrid a performer in the mountain air]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/2013-volkwagen-jetta-hybrid-a-performer-in-the-mountain-air/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/2013-volkwagen-jetta-hybrid-a-performer-in-the-mountain-air/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/2013-volkwagen-jetta-hybrid-a-performer-in-the-mountain-air/#commentsFiled under: ,

2013 vw jetta hybrid

We've already spent time behind the wheel of the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid, but when VW invited us to the high hills of Santa Fe to drive it again, we quickly accepted. After all, this is supposed to be a hybrid without compromise, and that means it should be a car that's fun to drive.

On our first drive - in the wintertime, in Germany - we got to experience the mild-mannered fun that VW promises. This time, at elevations between 5,000 and 8,000+ feet above sea level, we were impressed once again with the Jetta - and that's what this is, a Jetta, first and foremost - that's a little bit heavier than the standard (by 221 pounds) but performs so well you don't notice the hybrid bits, most of the time. If you've got energy in the li-ion battery pack when you fire up the car, it will start off in electric mode, and you don't notice the switch to gas power unless you're looking for it.

We got 40.4 miles per gallon on a 31-mile trip. That's not quite the 45 mpg that the EPA says the car will get, but that kind of miles in thin air seems pretty good to us. Other journalists with us in New Mexico were recording anywhere between 38 and 47 mpg. Not Toyota Prius numbers, but VW's okay with that.

Here are a few other thoughts and bits of information:
  • With the Jetta Hybrid - VW's second hybrid, after the Touareg, which debuted in the fall of 2010 - the German automaker seems to be acknowledging that it needs to compete seriously in the gas-electric space in the US. A slide shown in Santa Fe pointed out that hybrids make up three percent of the US market, while diesels make up just 0.85 percent. VW is also using JD Power numbers that predict a six-percent market share for hybrids in the US in 2020. VW also said, "Jetta Hybrid will allow VW to attract new customers who don't consider TDI as a legitimate rival to hybrids."
  • That said, VW expects the hybrid to make up around five percent of all Jettas sold in the US.
  • VW says that the median age of hybrid buyers is 61 years old. The median age? That kind of surprised us.
  • Speaking of the Touareg, the hybrid powertrain in the Jetta doesn't share bits with the Touareg hybrid. This is a new system developed for this car.
  • The 1.1-kWh battery offers up to 1.2 miles of all-electric operation. Normally, you can go up to 37 miles per hour in EV mode, but if you hit the E-Mode button, this increases to 44 if there is enough power in the pack and the battery temperature is in the right range. In practice, we didn't ever feel like we got that much benefit from E-Mode, but we assume that there will be a few late-night homecomings where this will be beneficial.
  • The small print in the promotional materials say that the base Jetta Hybrid will be available by special order only. First impression, that sound like a bait and switch, so VW can advertise the car at a low price, but when you go to the dealer, that low price is nowhere to be found. We were told that there will be base models in each of VW's sales regions in the US, so anyone who wants the cheapest Jetta Hybrid will be able to test drive one or get it delivered with a day's notice.
  • The Jetta Hybrid requires premium unleaded fuel. Bummer.
The made-in-Mexico Jetta Hybrid goes on sale before the end of the year, starting at $24,995, plus destination. That's more than the TDI (which starts at $22,990), but it is what it is.

2013 Volkwagen Jetta Hybrid a performer in the mountain air originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen jetta hybridjettajetta hybridvolkswagenvwvw hybridFri, 09 Nov 2012 14:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20371302/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20371302/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/09/2013-volkwagen-jetta-hybrid-a-performer-in-the-mountain-air/20371302/article-detail.xml 20371302 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-vw-jetta-hybrid-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-vw-jetta-hybrid-628.jpg <![CDATA[VW admits 2013 Jetta Hybrid gets worse mpg than Prius but claims it's for a reason]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/vw-admits-2013-jetta-hybrid-gets-worse-mpg-than-prius-but-claims/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/vw-admits-2013-jetta-hybrid-gets-worse-mpg-than-prius-but-claims/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/vw-admits-2013-jetta-hybrid-gets-worse-mpg-than-prius-but-claims/#commentsFiled under: ,

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid - white, front three-quarter view

When the 2013 Jetta Hybrid was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, Volkswagen suggested the car would get 45 miles per gallon on the combined cycle. Well, we're now 10 months closer to launch - still scheduled for some time in late 2012 at a price that starts at $24,995 plus destination - and that's still the only efficiency number that Volkswagen has been able to hand out. At a media event in Santa Fe yesterday, VW spokespeople did say that they are working with the EPA to get the final city/highway numbers, and that we should see them shortly.

But the fact that we still don't know what the official fuel economy numbers will be doesn't mean we haven't learned a few things. For one, Rainer Michel, Vice President of Product Marketing and Strategy for Volkswagen of America admits that the gas-electric Jetta isn't as efficient as a Toyota Prius. However, Michel says that was a deliberate choice: "It is by purpose. We want the customer to have a great experience, fun to drive, and that's why we positioned the car this way." This fits in with VW's message that the Jetta Hybrid - the fifth powertrain option, along with various gas and diesel models - is "efficiency without sacrifice" and "the antidote to the common hybrid." Seems like everyone is picking on the Prius lineup these days.

Continue reading VW admits 2013 Jetta Hybrid gets worse mpg than Prius but claims it's for a reason

VW admits 2013 Jetta Hybrid gets worse mpg than Prius but claims it's for a reason originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen jetta hybridjettajetta hybrigmpgvolkswagenvwTue, 30 Oct 2012 10:15:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20364736/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20364736/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/30/vw-admits-2013-jetta-hybrid-gets-worse-mpg-than-prius-but-claims/20364736/article-detail.xml 20364736 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-vw-jetta-hybrid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-vw-jetta-hybrid.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen reconsiders, will give the Up! a two-cylinder mill]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/volkswagen-reconsiders-will-give-the-up-a-two-cylinder-mill/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/volkswagen-reconsiders-will-give-the-up-a-two-cylinder-mill/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/volkswagen-reconsiders-will-give-the-up-a-two-cylinder-mill/#commentsFiled under: ,

Volkswagen Up

A company has the right to change its mind, right?

Volkswagen, which said as recently as late 2010 that it wouldn't consider a two-cylinder engine for its Up! city car, is now doing just that.

The German automaker will add the option of a two-cylinder diesel engine to the Up as part of an effort to compete against the Fiat Panda TwinAir, UK's Autocar reports. VW's Ulrich Hackenberg added that the two-banger is compatible with larger platforms as well, bringing up all sorts of fuel-saving possibilities for Europe's biggest automaker.

Hackenberg, when interviewed by Autocar in late 2010, said the company would prefer getting the most efficiency out of its three-cylinder engines rather than going to a two-cylinder. VW's Michael Hinz said at the time that two-cylinder engines were too expensive and unrefined to consider for the Up!

Volkswagen reconsiders, will give the Up! a two-cylinder mill originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselMichael Hinztwo-cylinderUlrich Hackenbergupvolkswagenvolkswagen up dieselvwvw upThu, 25 Oct 2012 14:05:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20360107/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20360107/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/25/volkswagen-reconsiders-will-give-the-up-a-two-cylinder-mill/20360107/article-detail.xml 20360107 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/vwup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/vwup.jpg <![CDATA[VW bringing Touareg X Hybrid to Europe]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/10/vw-bringing-touareg-x-hybrid-to-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/10/vw-bringing-touareg-x-hybrid-to-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/10/vw-bringing-touareg-x-hybrid-to-europe/#commentsFiled under: ,

Volkswagen Touareg X

The Roman numeral thing works for the Super Bowl and the Olympics. Any reason Volkswagen shouldn't give it a shot, as well?

Europe's biggest automaker is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Touareg by building the Touareg Edition X, and is including a hybrid version as well.

VW is giving the special-edition SUV extra touches like special leather trim, fancy upholstery stitching and tinted windows. The hybrid is one of five engine and gearbox options for the Touareg X, whose base price will be 61,025 euros ($79,200 US at current exchange rates) for the 201-horsepower V6.

VW didn't give out specs on the Touareg X Hybrid, which we expect will only be available in Europe. The U.S. version of the Touareg Hybrid, which also uses a V6, gets an EPA-rated 21 miles per gallon combined. VW's press release can be found below.

Continue reading VW bringing Touareg X Hybrid to Europe

VW bringing Touareg X Hybrid to Europe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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