Three Point Programme for Sustainable Mobility

It is part of the sustainability programme presented by the Chairman of the Board Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder that in future each vehicle model will be developed in such a way within the Volkswagen Group that it uses less fuel than its predecessor. The new sustainability label Blue Motion, which is being introduced, will indicate models which are characterised simultaneously by economical consumption, low emissions and fun when driving. Volkswagen is presenting the Polo Blue Motion, which has an average consumption of 3.9 litres, in Geneva as the first production model under the new label.

At the Geneva Motor Show Volkswagen has expressed its view that the rising crude oil prices are an indication that the age of fossil fuels has passed its peak. In a speech on the evening before the press day in front of 500 representatives of the media, Chairman of the Board Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder outlined the sustainability of the Group’s strategy and confirmed: “Volkswagen is in the best possible position to overcome these challenges.” Even now all the engines are designed to operate with the addition of 10 percent bioethanol or SunFuel. Alongside the development and construction of particularly economical and efficient models, Volkswagen is involved in the development of second generation biofuels within the scope of its fuel strategy. “Our concept of a sustainable energy policy means first and foremost: Fuels from renewable raw materials. In the medium and long term we are backing diversification in the sources of energy,” so says Dr. Pischetsrieder. The Volkswagen concept of “sustainable mobility” can be summarised accordingly in a three point programme:

• In future we will develop every model within the Volkswagen Group so that it uses less fuel than its predecessor.

• Our target continues to be to popularise the three litre car.

• By the end of this decade we will develop all our power units so that they can run both on traditional fuels and renewable fuels, which are obtained, for example, from biomass.

As the first model under the new BlueMotion sustainability label, the Polo BlueMotion presented at the Motor Show reinforces the demand for economical models which also offer excellent dynamics, comfort and pleasure in driving at the same time. The three cylinder turbo-diesel direct injection engine has a performance of 80 HP and accelerates the vehicle to a maximum speed of 176 km/h. Average consumption is 3.9 litres of diesel fuel, and in comparison with a “conventional” Polo, fuel consumption is reduced by 0.5 litres and CO2-emissions by 16 gram/kilometre to 103 gram/kilometre. Our intention is for BlueMotion to become a seal of quality which will indicate the respective most economical version of a model range. The Concept A Study, which was also presented in Geneva, provides a look ahead at future BlueMotion models: The study began with the first TSI engine operated with natural gas (CNG). In this way, it not only improves the generally high efficiency of the TSI-engines but represents a bridging technology, moving towards mobility independent of crude oil.