The new microsite comes as the Group’s Audi and Volkswagen brands prepare to embark upon their 50-state clean diesel strategy, and as the Group continues work on next generation alternative energy innovations such as biofuels and high temperature fuel cells.
“We are a company with a tradition of combining the passion for driving with low fuel consumption, advanced technology, and a sense of responsibility for the future needs of our customers,” said Stefan Jacoby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen Group of America. “We see the sustainable future set against a series of technology horizons. We must leverage today's technology while we continue to set our best minds to developing sustainable power trains for the future. This is something Volkswagen Group does best.”
The Volkswagen Group pioneered light-duty, direct injection diesel, known as the TDI. The useable power and low consumption of clean diesel offers a fuel savings of 35 percent over comparable 4-cylinder gas engines, according to published reports. And, as automotive experts predict significant increases in diesel vehicle purchases in the United States, Volkswagen Group expects to be the first manufacturer to bring its diesel technology to all 50 states, with Volkswagen Jetta sedans and station wagons and Audi Q7 SUVs.
In addition to diesel, the company is innovating ways to optimize fuel consumption with gasoline engines. Bentley Motors recently announced it will reduce its average fleet emissions by 15 percent by 2012, while increasing fuel economy by 40 percent. And, it will offer engines using renewable fuels available next year — the first in its segment to do so.
The company also is looking at concepts for a zero-emission car of tomorrow. Volkswagen’s “spaceup! blue” concept is powered by both electric propulsion and a high temperature hydrogen fuel cell.
The company’s view of a green future also includes fuel research. SunFuel, a partnership with IOGEN and Shell, is almost CO2-neutral and can be used to power all engines in the Volkswagen Group's current model range. The revolutionary production technology allows SunFuel to be manufactured from plant residue such as straw. SunFuel is mixable at any level with today's clean diesel and can leverage the existing U.S. fuel distribution infrastructure.
Press release via Volkswagen