Global warming and the greenhouse effect have been in the headlines ever since the UN climate report was published. Many media reports brand the automotive industry as the chief culprit. One figure proves that this accusation falls short of the mark: only roughly 12 percent of the greenhouse gas CO2 comes from vehicle exhaust.

 

Nevertheless, the automotive industry is called on to make its contribution to reducing CO2 emissions. Volkswagen has taken up this challenge, as Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management, reiterated recently: “All of our Group’s 18,000 developers and engineers are working flat out to reduced CO2 emissions and other exhaust gases.”

 

Model policy
One example is model policy: According to Winterkorn, Volkswagen will be launching a particularly efficient and low-emission vehicle under the “BlueMotion” label for each model series. “We started with the Polo and Passat, and will be continuing with the Golf. These models feature particularly efficient engines, low-friction tires, longer gear ratios, etc. With their low fuel consumption they will represent the benchmark in their class.”

 

This strategy is already bearing fruit: With CO2 emissions of 102 grammes per kilometer, the Polo BlueMotion is the best in its class. Volkswagen has proved that powerful engines can also be thrifty with the Passat BlueMotion; equipped with a 105 hp engine and consuming 5.1 liter diesel/100 km, this model emits a mere 136 grammes of CO2 per kilometer.

 

Furthermore, Volkswagen is conducting intensive research into alternative fuels and has for many years been investing billions in reducing consumption in direct-injection diesel and gasoline engines, Winterkorn added. As far as lightweight design and reducing weight are concerned, he pointed out that the Group had already achieved significant improvements – for example with aluminum bodies at Audi and lightweight steels at Volkswagen.

 

Winterkorn vigorously rejected the criticism that the new Volkswagen models were only getting larger and larger. He said the small car currently under design in the category below the Fox would be economical, very suitable for everyday driving and affordable. It would also be designed for small engines, with alternatives including a supercharged two-cylinder engine. Winterkorn added: “This small car is intended as a response to a basic question, namely how we will be defining ourselves as a mobility group in future.”