Going greener

German auto conglomerate Volkswagen AG was the first global auto manufacturer to gain a foothold in China. After more than 20 years of operation in the nation, the auto giant now plans to be the first providing an entire fleet of fuel economy vehicles.

"Volkswagen China has planned a fuel and emissions strategy for the future. By 2010, the fuel consumption and emissions of all Volkswagen cars produced in China will be reduced by 20 percent," says Winfried Vahland, president and chief executive officer of Volkswagen Group China.

To reach that goal, all Volkswagen models will by 2010 be equipped with the latest multi-point injection or turbo supercharged injection engines.

A new powertrain technology, including turbo charging and advanced transmissions, will be used in all local models made at FAW Volkswagen and Shanghai Volkswagen.

"As the first step of this strategy, the 1.8 TSI engine, has already rolled off the production line at the Volkswagen FAW engine plant in Dalian, the same time as the technology is being introduced in Europe," says Thomas-Christian Knott, board member and executive vice-president of Volkswagen Group China.

The joint venture between Volkswagen and China First Auto Works announced its inauguration in March to contribute to the new powertrain strategy with engines using the latest turbo fuel stratified injection technology.

The two parent companies invested some 840 million yuan in the plant by the end of 2006, with total planned investment by 2011 set at 1.5 billion yuan. Production capacity will be 300,000 engines per year.

"We are aiming to be a high-efficiency, energy-saving and environmentalally friendly company. This is Volkswagen China's long-term commitment toward sustainable development. As a partner of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, we are giving our full support to the Green Olympics and Hi-tech Olympics themes," says Knott.

The auto group displayed its fuel economy car models and technology at the Shanghai Auto Show last month, including its Touran EcoFuel, Polo BlueMotion, TSI, V6 turbo-charged direct injection (TDI) and direct-shift gearbox.

According to Knott, the TDI combines turbo charging and direct fuel injection, achieving both high power and lower fuel consumption. Because of the technology, even a 1.4-liter TDI is able to create a maximum power of 96 kilowatts and 220 in absolute peak torque.

Volkswagen's DSG transmission employs a twin-clutch technology that integrates two sets of gears to control shifting, making for a faster gear change that helps save fuel.

The combined TDI and gearbox technologies can save more than 20 percent in fuel while at the same time making driving more fun, the company says.

"Volkswagen is also a world leader in modern diesel technology A TDI V6 engine demonstrates how we achieve robust power while using less fuel and producing fewer emissions," says Knott.

In Europe, diesel-powered autos now account for more than 50 percent of passenger car registrations. In Paris, almost all taxis are equipped with diesel engines, which have lower fuel consumption but greater power.

"For example, our 3-cylinder 1.4 TDI-powered Polo BlueMotion consumes just 3.9 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers and already meets stringent 'Euro Four' standards. Its low carbon dioxide emissions have won it a lot of applause," Knott says.

BlueMotion comes from Blue - the Volkswagen color suggesting clean water and air - and Motion that embodies the future.

The automaker also has new designs that use alternative fuels.

"Alternative fuel means a wider supply resource of fuel. The Touran EcoFuel shows Volkswagen's commitment in this direction," says Knott.

Fueled with compressed natural gas (CNG), the Touran EcoFuel car can reach up to 180 km per hour while using 5.8 liters of CNG per 100 kms. It can cover a range of 310 kms on one tank of fuel. The auto stores CNG fuel in four tanks underneath the car body, yet the company says the system is as safe as gasoline or diesel designs.

"At Volkswagen we had the capability to produce hybrid cars years ago. But we want to provide the public with fuel economy cars at a low price, not using high-cost technology like hybrid or hydrogen-powered," says Knott.

He also says that using the powertrain strategy, Volkswagen autos will not be very expensive, with the price "merely several thousands yuan higher than that of the older models".

(China Daily 05/28/2007 page5)