Areas of work being focused on by Volkswagen include the development of a high-performance diesel engine delivering 100 kilowatts per liter of displacement and a new 10-speed dual clutch gearbox that reduces fuel consumption.

Professor Winterkorn said that among the alternative drive systems plug-in hybrids in particular offer great potential.

Winterkorn stressed that over the medium and long-term different drive system technologies would exist side by side. These would range from highly efficient internal combustion engines and natural gas systems all the way to hybrids and electric vehicles.

On this basis the Volkswagen Group is working towards its declared objective of lowering the European new car fleet’s CO2 emission level to 95 gram of CO2/kilometer by 2020.

Winterkorn emphasized that existing internal combustion engines still offer a lot of potential.

“Since the year 2000, we’ve reduced the fuel consumption of our TDI and TSI engines by more than 30 per cent,” said Winterkorn. “I’m convinced that by 2020 we can achieve further increases in efficiency of around 15 per cent.”

Factors making this possible, he said, would include enhancement of the combustion process, intelligent lightweight design, innovative operating strategies and optimization of friction levels and thermal management.

Volkswagen also sees great potential for natural gas drive systems.

“The gas engine is environmentally friendly, economical and suitable for everyday use,” continued Winterkorn. “The technology is fully developed and the vehicles are already on the market.”

Volkswagen stated the best example is the new eco-up! – at 79 gram of CO2/kilometer the world’s most economical natural gas car.

The Volkswagen Group will be systematically rolling out natural gas technology with the Golf TGI BlueMotion and the Audi A3 g-tron.

“We need to make the public even more aware of the benefits of natural gas engines,” said Winterkorn. “Everyone needs to play their part in this: carmakers, politicians and the fuel industry.”

The variety of drive system technologies is growing: the group-wide Volkswagen modular component system and its flexible architecture enable every kind of drive system to be integrated quickly into the new models.

“Over the coming years we will electrify all vehicle classes in this way and help electrically powered motoring to make the breakthrough,” added Winterkorn.

Winterkorn stated that in the medium term the first choice in terms of alternative drive systems is plug-in hybrid technology. This technology enables a purely electric range of up to 50 kilometers (31 miles), a high level of suitability for everyday use by virtue of recharging from a socket at home and also complete flexibility for long journeys thanks to an efficient internal combustion engine.

The Volkswagen Group’s first plug-in hybrids, the Porsche Panamera and Audi A3 e-tron, will shortly be going into full production. They will be followed by the Golf and many other models, such as the Passat, Audi A6 and Porsche Cayenne.

Volkswagen also presented at the symposium new technologies that are finding their way into the modular diesel component system’s future engine generation. These high-performance diesel engines achieve peak power output of 100 kilowatt per liter of displacement and have a variable valve-train assembly, a high-pressure injection system at up to 3,000 bar and combined charging with the innovative e-booster.

The post Future Drive Technology Highlighted By VW appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Later this year, the iPhone will interface with the Beetle and Beetle Convertible via a specially developed app and a docking station.

The iBeetle is the first model line from the Volkswagen Group in which the iPhone will become an integrated component.

Volkswagen offers two different ways to acquire the interface between iPhone and Beetle: as an app or as a standard feature of the new iBeetle and iBeetle Convertible.

Both special models will be launched at the beginning of 2014.

The app, docking station and iBeetle made their world debut at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.

Volkswagen said the newly designed docking station is located centrally on the dashboard of the Beetle: the iPhone simply snaps in to integrate it with the car. Essentially, all iPhone functions can be used in the Beetle; the iPhone can be used to navigate, make calls hands-free, listen to music, and much more.

The Beetle app

When this app is launched on an iPhone, it can either connect the phone to the Beetle via the docking station or wirelessly.

Each option allows for different app functions to be accessed, as described by Volkswagen:

• Spotify: lets users stream media such as new songs, customized playlists or online radio stations into the Beetle. Those who wish can post their favorite music directly to friends. In addition, users in the Beetle can switch between “Spotify” and “iTunes” at any time.
• Expert: offers five functions which make the iPhone an extended on-board instrument of the Beetle, such as a G-Meter (for measuring lateral acceleration), oil and coolant temperature gauges for the engine, a chronometer, and a compass.
• Trainer: can be used to compare driving times, distances, and fuel economy values for different routes between any two destinations. Here, too, tips can be posted via social networks like Twitter and Facebook — such as which route is faster to the office.
• Reader: lists the latest messages from social networks like Facebook, and reads iPhone messages aloud.
• Postcard: Sends the current location of the Beetle to friends as a digital postcard with a map motif.
• Photo: Sends photos taken inside the car to numerous social networks. Simply activate it, and the app does the rest.
• Milestones: Available when the smartphone is undocked. Rewards its users with virtual “milestone stickers” for the Beetle when certain tasks have been completed.

The iBeetle

Volkswagen said the iBeetle is one of the first cars in the world to have a genuine integrative interface for the iPhone that was coordinated with Apple.

As mentioned, the special model will be available as a Coupe and Convertible. The colors and equipment features of the iBeetle are stylistically linked to the Cupertino-based US company, bringing its smartphones into harmony with Volkswagen’s iconic Beetle design.

The iBeetle, which will be available in early 2014, will come with other customized features in addition to the standard iPhone interface.

On the exterior, they include standard features such as 18-inch “Disc” alloy wheels (painted in “Galvano Grey” with chrome wheel covers), door mirror housings and side trim panels (above the sill) in “Galvano Grey”, black door sill plates with the “iBeetle” signature, “iBeetle” chrome badges (on the front fender) and a “Chrome pack” (includes chrome trim strips on the sides).

In a nod to the iPhone’s color scheme, the new iBeetle can be ordered in “Candy White”, “Oryx White Mother of Pearl Effect”, “Black Monochrome”, “Deep Black Pearl Effect”, “Platinum Grey”, or “Reflex Silver.”

Inside, steering wheel accents and the dash pad are executed in “Galvano Grey”. The iBeetle is also upgraded by a customized shift lever grip, black sport seats in “Vienna” leather, and contrasting seams in light “Ceramique”.

The post Apple And VW Create The iBeetle appeared first on HybridCars.com.

The winner, to be selected among this group, will be announced Friday, April 12 at the Green Living Show, in the Direct Energy Centre at Toronto’s Exhibition Place.

The finalists were selected by members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada from a variety of environmentally advanced vehicles nominated by their manufacturers.

The finalists include a plug-in hybrid, three conventional hybrids and a highly efficient internal combustion vehicle.

The finalists are:

- Ford C-MAX Energi

- Ford Fusion Hybrid

- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

- Mazda3

- Volkswagen Jetta Turbocharged Hybrid

The award, presented by AJAC and Green Living Enterprises, which hosts the annual show, has been launched to recognize vehicles with the potential for strong environmental benefits and to provide consumers with authoritative information about them.

“The judges found the choice difficult because all the entrants are worthy, and they incorporate such differing routes to greener driving,” said Peter Gorrie, chair of AJAC’s Green Car Award steering committee.

The competition placed heavy emphasis on fuel economy and emissions, but also considered other environmental features within each vehicle – for example, use of recycled or naturally sourced materials – and steps each manufacturer has taken to green its operations.  Equally important, it assessed market potential – factors such as build quality, driving experience, overall features, availability, general consumer appeal and price.

“Driving is the most energy-intensive action most people do every day; our hope is this award will shine a light on how folks can improve their health, their planet and their monthly fuel bills, if they have to use a car,” said committee member Michael Bettencourt.

Other nominees included the Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, Chevrolet Volt, Ford Edge EcoBoost, Ford Focus Electric, Mazda CX-5, Mazda6, Mercedes-Benz B 250 Turbo, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Nissan Leaf and Smart Fortwo Electric Drive.

“After all, a car loaded with ‘green’ features will make a difference only if it sells in large numbers and supplants lesser models,” Gorrie said. “While EVs represent impressive technology that focus might have prevented the four battery-electric nominees from making the final five.”

The association said the award ceremony will take place at 9:45 a.m., Friday April 12 at the Green Living Show’s main stage.

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This according to Volkswagen of America’s first annual Clean Diesel IQ Survey released March 28.

The survey found that clean diesel drivers have an overwhelming commitment to clean diesel vehicles and are acutely aware of its benefits, but broad understanding of clean diesel technology remains uneven among non-diesel drivers.

The survey of 1,511 U.S. gasoline, hybrid and clean diesel drivers revealed that 88 percent of clean diesel drivers believe that clean diesels are some of today’s most fuel-efficient vehicles, and that more than half of gasoline and hybrid drivers agree.

For clean diesel drivers, 53 percent listed better mileage as their top clean diesel vehicle attribute. Additionally, more than half of clean diesel drivers who responded to the survey characterize their vehicles as having strong acceleration capabilities.

“Though there is a lack of awareness among non-diesel drivers, current clean diesel owners know that their vehicles are quick, clean, efficient, and fun to drive,” said Douglas Skorupski, Manager of Technical Strategy, Volkswagen of America. “And we know that once a driver experiences a clean diesel vehicle, they become dedicated to the diesel powertrain.”

The Clean Diesel IQ measured the attitudes, opinions and beliefs about clean diesel vehicles among current gasoline, hybrid and clean diesel drivers.

Specific insights from the survey include:

• Clean Diesel Time Warp – There is broad recognition among all drivers that diesels today are better than they were 10 years ago, but gasoline and hybrid drivers still only believe they are “somewhat” better and clean diesel drivers recognize the vast improvements. More than one-third of gasoline and hybrid drivers believe that clean diesel vehicles are noisy and smell bad. Only three percent of clean diesel drivers would describe their vehicles as smelling bad and five percent of clean diesel drivers would describe their vehicles as noisy. Clean diesel drivers understand that they can reach the break-even point between vehicle cost and fuel savings in four years on average. Though clean diesel vehicles are 20 percent more fuel efficient than gasoline cars, gasoline and hybrid drivers believe it takes clean diesel vehicles closer to five years to see the cost and fuel savings.
• Clean Diesel Dedication – Ninety-four percent of current clean diesel drivers would consider a clean diesel vehicle for their next purchase, while only 26 percent of gasoline and hybrid drivers would consider clean diesel. All drivers surveyed recognized that that clean diesel vehicles are more durable than gasoline and hybrid vehicles.
• Clean Diesel IQ Persona – The drivers surveyed fall into three specific personality types when it comes to their diesel knowledge: “Clean Diesel Dedicated;” “Clean Diesel Maligner;” and “Clean Diesel Curious.”

“While clean diesel vehicles are common around the world, the Clean Diesel IQ personas allow us to understand why some U.S. drivers are not fully aware of the evolution of diesel technology,” continued Skorupski. “As the market leader in clean diesel with more than 70 percent of the total passenger market in 2012, Volkswagen has been committed to making the technology accessible and will continue to educate consumers on clean diesel’s wide range of fuel economy and performance benefits.”

The “Clean Diesel Dedicated” are acutely aware of the acceleration, styling and clean aspect of clean diesel vehicles, while less than 20 percent of gasoline drivers and hybrid drivers recognize these benefits.

The “Clean Diesel Malingers” are entrenched in the diesel time warp, with one-in-five gasoline and hybrid owners classifying clean diesel vehicles as being dirty and three-in-five clean diesel owners classify these vehicles as clean.

The “Clean Diesel Curious” are beginning to understand how clean diesel has evolved but have yet to purchase a clean diesel vehicle. These individuals want to see direct fuel economy comparisons of clean diesel versus hybrids, as well as have a better understanding of emissions and environmental impact.

The post VW Survey Shows Clean Diesel Owners Committed To Technology appeared first on HybridCars.com.

This decision was put forward once again by Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the Executive Board of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, during the first top-level meeting with Greenpeace Chief Executive Director Brigitte Behrens in Hanover on March 21, 2013.

The meeting focused on a discussion of the Volkswagen Group’s climate protection efforts.

Winterkorn underlined that the Volkswagen Group would reach the emission target set by EU legislation of an average of 95 grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) per kilometer by 2020.

“I guarantee that we will do everything in our power to reach carbon dioxide emissions of 95 grams without any reservations,” said Winterkorn. “However, this will only be possible if customers accept our advanced alternative powertrains. This is of course our objective.”

Behrens supports the targets set by Volkswagen.

“This is a decision in favor of climate protection and a key signal for committing to the protection of the environment and society and the series production of climate-friendly technical solutions,” said Behrens. “We will remain in dialogue with Volkswagen, also as regards mobility concepts for the future.”

The declaration of Volkswagen is also a signal for stricter exhaust emission regulations in the growth markets of the USA and China.

For two years, Volkswagen and Greenpeace have been engaging in what Volkswagen describes as a constructive and in some cases also confrontational dialog concerning the reduction of the CO2 emissions of the entire Volkswagen fleet to an average of 95 grams by 2020.

In connection with this calculation, criticisms have been raised, especially concerning the “supercredits”, which allow manufacturers to count electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles as low-emission vehicles several times over.

Independently from each other, Volkswagen and Greenpeace are convinced that the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in road traffic is a key factor in climate protection.

Volkswagen and the independent environmental protection organization will continue constructive dialogue about further environmental targets to be adopted by the Group and how they are to be achieved.

The post Greenpeace And VW In Talks Over CO2 Limits appeared first on HybridCars.com.

To be named e-up!, Volkswagen’s first production electric vehicle will offer a driving range of 93 miles, seat four and will marketed as a city car.

The e-up! will be powered by a 60 kilowatt peak power electric motor, with continuous power of 40 kilowatt.

Volkswagen said this will allow the 2612 pounds e-up! to reach 60 miles per hour in under 14 seconds and reach a top speed of 84 mph.

The lithium-ion battery pack has been placed under the floor and is rated at 18.7 kilowatt per hour.

The batteries chosen can be charged up to 80 percent of its full capacity in 30 minutes.

Volkswagen will offer in option the Combined Charging System (CCS), supporting both AC and DC charging, allowing the vehicle to be charged through many power sources.

The e-up! will be differentiated from the gasoline up! by aerodynamically optimized front end, sills and under body components.

The post First VW EV To Be Launched this Autumn appeared first on HybridCars.com.

And, it says, it is taking another important step towards sustainability and environmental protection by choosing CO2 as the future refrigerant for its air conditioning systems.

A week ago, at the Geneva International Motor Show, the Volkswagen Group affirmed its goal of becoming the world’s most environmentally sustainable carmaker by 2018.

To achieve this goal, the Group is investing over two-thirds of its total investment capital in the development of efficient technologies, drive systems and vehicles, as well as in environmentally sustainable production.

Following this, the Volkswagen Group is now announcing its choice to use CO2 technology, which will be rolled out progressively over its entire vehicle fleet.

Entry into CO2 technology will further contribute towards climate protection. CO2 (carbon dioxide) as a refrigerant – also known as R744 – is a naturally occurring gas with significantly lower greenhouse gas effects than conventional refrigerants, and Volkswagen said it is ideal for use in specially designed automotive air conditioning systems.

With a GWP (Global Warming Potential) value of 1, it is 99.3 per cent below the EU specified GWP limit of 150.

The post CO2 As Green Air Conditioner Solution For VW appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Yes, the TDI version will be back.

The 2015 Volkswagen Golf is said to be bigger inside and out, lighter, more fuel efficient, and safer than the vehicle it replaces.

Volkswagen also said the seventh-generation Golf is the first to use the new MQB components matrix and will offer new safety features-such as collision avoidance and lane departure systems-as well as new engines and infotainment options.

At the New York International Auto Show, Volkswagen is debuting all three of the Golf versions that will go on sale next year: the entry-level TSI model; the TDI Clean Diesel; and the sporty GTI.

The TSI and GTI use new versions of the EA888 turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine, while the TDI gets the new EA288 diesel engine.

Not expected to be seen yet is the plug-in hybrid version of its Golf to be launched to Europeans and Americans in 2014, possibly as a 2015 model year.

The New York auto show will be held end of March.

The 2015 Golf will go on sale in the first half of 2014 and will be built at Volkswagen’s Puebla, Mexico, factory.

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At next week’s Geneva International Motor Show, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be showing a transporter concept vehicle it calls the e-Co-Motion.

This concept is said by Volkswagen to be rated at 800 kilograms (1764 pounds) of payload while offering the benefit of zero emissions thanks to an electric drive system.

“Electric mobility – especially in light commercial vehicles – could play a crucial role in meeting the growing transport needs of the world’s megacities,” explains Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Speaker of the Brand Board of Management.  “Freight trains and conventional or hybrid-powered high capacity lorries would deliver goods up to the city limits.  Then, at transfer stations, smaller electric delivery vans would take over.  Their predictable travel routes and fixed depots would simplify battery charging and equipment maintenance.”

Designed from the ground up to be powered by an electric drive, the e-Co-Motion is said by Volkswagen to offer many essential European commercial vehicle properties: high maneuverability with a small vehicle footprint, very good visibility and seating ergonomics with easy entry, exit and walk-through.

Also, a low cargo floor height and large cargo capacity make loading easier.

The concept vehicle offers a maximum cargo capacity of 4.6 cubic meter (162.45 cubic foot) and 800 kg (1764 pounds) of payload.  This was enabled by clear partitioning of the vehicle body into a lower driving-relevant zone containing a drive unit located under the floor, with battery and gearbox; and an upper superstructure that is specific to delivery tasks.

This, according to Volkswagen, generates ideal conditions for maximum space utilization, and all sorts of body versions and customer solutions are imaginable.

The vehicle can eventually be setup as a driver’s cab in front of a cargo box, as in the concept vehicle, or a passenger shuttle, low platform or refrigerated box, depending on the customer’s needs.

We can already see some wishing for a Westfalia camping version, with pop-up top an all.

The post e-Co-Motion Is VW’s Electricity-powered Delivery Solution appeared first on HybridCars.com.

In Volkswagen’s own words, the XL1 is the most fuel-efficient production car in the world, with a European combined fuel consumption rating of 261 mpg.

Powered by a diesel plug-in hybrid system, this two-seat vehicle can cover up to 32 miles all-electric mode.

While it looks like a concept car, the XL1 is actually a real production car. VW did not confirm exact production previsions, but did say production numbers will be low and that the two-seater will be initially only available in Europe.

The XL1 follows pure sports-car design principles: light weight (1953 pounds), very low aerodynamics drag (Cd 0.19), and a low center of gravity. Volkswagen said the XL1 has the ability to cruise down the road at a constant 62 mph while using just 8.3 horsepower.

In all-electric mode, the XL1 requires less than 0.1 kilowatt-hour to cover more than a kilometer.

The plug-in hybrid system consists of a 47 horsepower two-cylinder TDI engine, a 27 horsepower electric motor, a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a lithium-ion battery.

With the 261 mpg fuel consumption figure, Volkswagen wants to show what is technically feasible in the automotive industry.

The XL1 also has a top speed of 99 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 12.7 seconds.

Conceptually, the XL1 represents the third evolutionary stage of Volkswagen’s 1-liter car strategy.

When the new millennium was ushered in, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Piëch, currently Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG, formulated the visionary goal of putting into production a practical car that had combined fuel consumption of one liter per 100 kilometer (235 mpg). The XL1 is the vehicle that brings this vision to reality.

Volkswagen’s engineers and designers came up with a body design which delivers more everyday utility than the two previous prototypes. In the L1, the 1-liter car that was shown in 2002 and 2009, the driver and passenger sat in a tandem arrangement for optimal aerodynamics; in the XL1, the two occupants sit slightly offset, side by side, almost like a conventional vehicle.

Size-wise, the XL1 is 153.1 inches long, 65.6 in wide, and 45.4 in low. By comparison, a Volkswagen Polo is slightly longer (156.3 in) and wider (66.2 in), but is significantly taller at 57.6 inches. Even a sports car like today’s Porsche Boxster is 5.1 inches taller.

Volkswagen called the XL1 a car of the future, built for today.

Volkswagen

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