Volkswagen UK : Fleet News Feed

Volkswagen presents latest findings of electric mobility research

2011-06-29T23:00:00Z

Today, Volkswagen – in cooperation with six project partners and the German Ministry of the Environment – is presenting the current status of the “Fleet study in electric mobility” that was initiated in July 2008. The primary goal of the project which runs until June 2012: consistently utilise renewable energy sources for electrically powered vehicles. Within the framework of the fleet study, Volkswagen is implementing a total of 20 of the latest generation Golf Variant twïnDRIVE cars as research vehicles.

Their plug-in hybrid drives operate with zero emissions in urban operation using an electric motor. The Golf Variant twïnDRIVE enables distances of up to 57 km on pure electrical power; an additional small internal combustion engine provides for a total range of about 900 km. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn,

Chairman of the Management Board of Volkswagen AG, comments on the twïnDRIVE: “When it comes to driving with zero emissions within cities while covering far greater distances as pure electric vehicles – the twïnDRIVE system by Volkswagen sets new standards and could over the mid-term develop into the ideal form of mobility for the vast majority of car drivers.”

Fleet study encounters transition in energy production

The “Fleet study in electric mobility” is now assuming a high level of importance, in the wake of events in Japan and the German federal government’s mandatory exit from nuclear energy production. According to plans by the federal government, the number of pure electric vehicles will reach one million units in Germany alone by 2020. And these vehicles must be operated sustainably – i.e. from renewable energy sources – to attain significant progress in environmental protection.

Volkswagen counting on renewable energies

Before the transition in energy policy, Volkswagen had already appealed for the intensified use of renewable energy sources. During a workshop on electric mobility in Shanghai in mid-2010, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn emphasised that: “Future electric cars offer us tremendous opportunities for reshaping mobility to become even more sustainable. However, we must – on behalf of the environment – ensure that the energy used to operate these electric cars is also generated renewably, i.e. from renewable resources. Since carmakers do not make decisions on which types of power plants will be built, governments must assure that environmentally-friendly energy sources are utilised. Only then will we experience a genuine transition to a new era.” This new era is now within reach.

Optimising the stability of the power grid

Over 16 per cent of Germany’s electrical needs are already covered by renewable energy sources, and plans are afoot to extend this share to 30 per cent by 2020. Volkswagen, for example, has installed one of the highest performance wind power systems in the world at its German plant in Emden; it already supplies one-third of the factory’s energy requirements. In parallel, more and more electricity is being generated from solar and water power. These forms of energy must also be used for mobility. However, the amount of renewably generated energy is subject to fluctuations due to natural factors (e.g. sunshine duration, wind strength). This means that it is necessary to control intelligently electrical demand to avoid load peaks. In this context, the “Fleet study in electric mobility” is analysing the usage behaviour of drivers of cars with electrical charging, electric load control and intelligent strategies in the charging process. In addition, a scenario is being tested, in which some of the daily peak electrical demand might be buffered by the cars’ lithium-ion batteries in the future.

Plug-in hybrid will assume much greater importance

Through its “Fleet study in electric mobility”, Volkswagen is acquiring valuable knowledge on how cars with plug-in hybrid drives like the Golf Variant twïnDRIVE handle continual use. As already noted, the 20 Golf Variant twïnDRIVE cars can be driven over long distances in pure electric mode, i.e. with zero emissions. The expression “environmental zone” takes on an entirely new meaning in cities.

One of the goals of Volkswagen AG is to launch numerous plug-in hybrid cars on the market in the years 2013/2014. In the area of electric mobility, they are intended to supplement the Group’s hybrid models that are already being produced today (these models currently include cars by Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen), as well as the pure electric vehicles that will also debut from 2013. Clearly, plug-in hybrid models – i.e. cars with combustion engine, E-motor and a battery that can be charged by an external power source – will acquire special significance in the urban environment. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn comments on this: “Over the mid-term, the plug-in hybrid offers great potential here, because it unites the best of 2 worlds in one vehicle.” The plug-in hybrid, according to Winterkorn, enables precisely what many customers expect: an unlimited driving range with internal combustion engine mobility and an attractive electrical driving range in everyday driving.

Fleet study brings together specialists in Germany

The large-scale introduction of plug-in hybrid cars and pure electric cars continues to be associated with great challenges. Prof. Dr. Winterkorn: “Electric mobility will be a century-long endeavour for Europe as a centre of automotive production and industry. Carmakers, suppliers, energy providers, scientists and politicians – everyone must step up to the plate.” In Germany, the “Fleet study in electric mobility” is bringing together precisely these partners.

Six project partners

The “Fleet study in electric mobility” is being conducted by six project partners from research and commerce under the leadership of Volkswagen AG. Representing the energy industry is energy provider E.ON. From the research area, the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft ISIT (representation of the battery systems and development of new battery chemistry), Heidelberger Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IFEU; creating eco-balance), the German Aerospace Centre (DLR; analysis, forecasting traffic scenarios) and the Westphalian Wilhelm University in Münster (development of methodologies, laboratory testing of battery cells) will contribute their expertise and know-how to the fleet study.

Volkswagen Golf claims coveted Fleet World Honours crown

2011-05-11T23:00:00Z

The Volkswagen Golf has claimed the coveted Fleet World Honours Award for Best Lower Medium Car of 2011, adding another title to its name. The trophy was presented at a special ceremony at the Royal Automobile Club in London today.

The Fleet World Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals who have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector.

Fleet World Editor, Steve Moody, said: ‘The Volkswagen Golf just keeps performing, whatever point in its lifecycle, and the Mark VI is no different. Strong residual values, dependable on-fleet performance and classy styling mean it never goes out of fashion. And in BlueMotion guise it does something few cars can do: it matches its on-paper claims.’

The judging panel is chaired by Steve Moody, and includes Ken Rogers, Natalie Wallis, John Kendall, Alex Grant and Ross Durkin from the Fleet World editorial team. Residual value, maintenance cost and reliability data is provided by ALD Automotive, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions and ING Car Lease. Market value data is provided by EurotaxGlass, while fleet registrations data is provided by SMMT.

The award was collected by Lee Rabjohn, Volkswagen’s Regional Fleet Manager, who commented: ‘I’m delighted to receive this award on behalf of the brand. The Golf has long been a fleet stalwart – and it’s a huge credit to the car that it continues to win awards such as this. Vehicles that appeal to drivers and fleet managers in equal measure are not easy to find, but the Golf consistently remains one such car.’

In addition to its Fleet World Honour, the Golf also holds the titles of ACFO Car of the Year, Fleet News Best Lower Medium Car and What Car? Best Small Family Car.

For more details on the Golf visit www.volkswagen.co.uk/new/golf-vi

Volkswagen claims Energy Saving Trust Fleet Hero Award

2011-02-10T00:00:00Z

Volkswagen has been honoured with the 2010 Energy Saving Trust Fleet Hero Award for Innovation in Car and Van Manufacture. The accolade was presented at a ceremony in London last week, and recognises the contribution made by Volkswagen to green fleet management.

Now in their fifth year, the Fleet Hero Awards aim to highlight best practice in fleet management and acknowledge organisations that are addressing climate change by reducing carbon emissions from business travel. Best practice is recognised in individual fleets or organisations as well as manufacturers who use technology innovatively to reduce their impact on the environment.

Volkswagen is taking a broadminded view towards the future of mobility, with its drive towards green motoring headed up by the BlueMotion Technologies ‘brand’. In its efforts to develop and engineer cars which are efficient, affordable, practical and viable, it is investing in a number of new and existing technologies ranging from efficient internal combustion engined vehicles, to fully electric powered cars and vans. The most appropriate power source for each application depends on a number of factors, one of which is timescale. Far from taking a single course, Volkswagen has adopted a multi-layered approach to future mobility. In addition to electric cars, work continues on enhancing technologies which are here now, which will be common in ten years time and which will become a key part of future mobility, for example, hydrogen fuel cells.

Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust commented, Philip Sellwood, commented: ‘Congratulations to Volkswagen UK for winning the Energy Saving Trust Fleet Hero Award for Innovation in Car and Manufacture. The Fleet Hero Awards highlights those who have not only taken steps to help the environment but also to save money and resources. This is a great example for others to follow.’

Transport Minister Norman Baker MP added: ‘It gives me a great pleasure to support the Energy Saving Trust's Fleet Hero Awards and in recognising the achievements that organisations are making to reduce emissions and costs from their fleets.

‘While much of the debate on tackling climate change focuses on long term solutions, fleets can make an active and meaningful contribution today. Organisations both large and small can make a real difference through procuring greener, cleaner vehicles, or improving fuel consumption through driver training or simply by reducing business travel. The excellent efforts and innovation shown by the award winners and nominees give me great encouragement that the fleet industry can and will meet these challenges.’

For more information on Volkswagen’s range of environmentally friendly BlueMotion Technology products, please visit www.volkswagen.co.uk/technology/efficiency-and-bluemotion-technologies. Advice and material on running green fleets is available from http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/fleet or calling 0845 602 1425.

New Passat embarks on UK tour

2011-01-21T00:00:00Z

The new Volkswagen Passat is setting off on a nationwide tour, showcasing the new model to small businesses and fleets at business parks across the country. Starting on Monday 24th January in Aylesbury, the epic 50-day road show will visit all four corners of the country giving customers a chance to see and experience the vehicle, and also understand how the seventh generation Passat would operate as a company car within their business.

Accompanying the tour will be a hospitality unit hosted by staff from local Volkswagen Retailers. Visitors to the road show will be welcomed with complimentary refreshments and have a chance to explore the new Passat, the first examples of which went on sale earlier this month with prices starting at £18,875 for the saloon and £20,175 for the versatile Estate. They will also be able to talk to trained Volkswagen representatives who will be on hand to talk through the competitive contract hire and finance packages available, as well as having information on company car tax and BiK implications.

The Passat has established itself as a firm favourite with UK buyers with over 600,000 examples having found homes here since its launch in 1973. The new seventh generation Passat is the most advanced iteration yet with every model fitted with special sound insulating windscreen glass and new sound deadening materials to make it one of the quietest cars in its class.

As well as an elegant new look on the inside and out the new Passat can, for the first time, be specified with air-conditioned seats and Automatic Distance Control (ADC) that can automatically slow the car to a halt should it encounter traffic. In addition, the new Passat can be fitted with an automatic fatigue detection system that monitors the driver’s inputs and automatically emits an audible and visual warning to recommend a break if required.

Every diesel engine is now badged as a BlueMotion Technology product and is equipped with battery regeneration and Stop/Start systems as standard. The result is that the entry-level 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS is capable of exceeding the economy of the outgoing BlueMotion model with a combined economy of 65.7 mpg and CO2 emissions of 114 g/km. In turn, the new BlueMotion model, due to go on sale in mid-2011, will return a forecast 68.8 mpg and emit 109 g/km of CO2.

Call 020 7258 4171 to find out where the nationwide tour will be visiting. For more information on the new Passat, and the rest of the Volkswagen range, visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.

Volkswagen BlueMotion models added to Avis rental fleet

2010-03-29T23:00:00Z

Leading international car hire company Avis has ordered more than 540 Golf BlueMotion models for its fleet in the UK. These vehicles will form part of the Avis Eco Collection, offering environmentally conscious drivers low emission vehicles.

The Eco Collection is a new scheme, set up by Avis, offering drivers a diesel vehicle with CO₂ emissions lower than 120 g/km. Fitted with the highly efficient 1.6-litre common rail TDI engine producing 105 PS, the Golf SE BlueMotion Technology emits 107 g/km and achieves 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle; with emissions of 99 g/km and a combined fuel economy figure of 74.3 mpg, the Golf BlueMotion is capable of almost 900 miles on one tank.

The new models will be added to Avis’s low carbon fleet over the next 12 months as the company continues to reduce its carbon footprint. Both models combine efficiency with comfort and equipment to offer enhanced economy and produce less emissions than their traditional counterparts. Yet all BlueMotion products remain practical, stylish and are conventional to service and maintain.

Commenting on the forthcoming additions to the Avis rental fleet, Nick Mountfield, Head of Marketing Avis UK explained: ‘As a nation we are becoming increasingly conscious of the environment, car emissions and fuel economy, and we are finding that customers are keen to do their bit for the environment wherever possible. The Golf BlueMotion models were chosen as part of an ongoing drive to improve the offering of vehicles with low CO₂ emissions and high fuel economy for the Avis Eco Collection.’

Mountfield continued: ‘Due to the initial demand of Eco Collection and customer demand for the current Golf model, we are building on the success by upgrading to the Golf BlueMotion models. These Golf models are a desirable package for both Avis and our customers as, despite being extremely efficient and economical, they are conventional to drive and offer superb value and reliability.’

BlueMotion products have been extremely well received since being introduced in 2007, proving especially popular with the fleet market. With the Polo, Golf and Passat BlueMotion models, which emit just 91, 99 and 114 g/km of CO₂ respectively, the ‘BlueMotion’ badge denotes the most fuel and CO₂ efficient model in each Volkswagen range.

Introducing the Passat Highline Plus... More equipment and value

2009-11-17T00:00:00Z

Volkswagen is boosting its popular Passat and Passat Estate range with the addition of a new model, the Highline Plus. Over the already generous equipment list of the Passat Highline, the trim level which replaced the SE in February 2008, the Highline Plus gains chrome grille surround and louvres, Bluetooth telephone connectivity with touchscreen adaptor, as well as Volkswagen’s RNS 310 satellite navigation unit. The Highline Plus commands a premium of just £750 over the standard Highline with prices starting at £20,515 RRP ‘on the road’ for the 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS.

Standard on the Touran Match model, the new RNS 310 unit is a CD-based satellite navigation system with integrated radio and MP3-compatible CD player. It has touchscreen operation with a five-inch colour screen for ease of use and visibility, an SD card reader, plus AUX-in slot for connection to external multimedia devices. This new system will shortly become available on other Passat models, priced at £795.

The Bluetooth touch adaptor works in conjunction with the factory-fit phone preparation and incorporates a dash-mounted cradle. The touchscreen adaptor has a 2.8-inch screen displaying clear icons which, once paired with a mobile phone, displays the phone book, text message alerts and caller ID. Calls can be answered or terminated using the multifunction steering wheel. The touch adaptor can connect to most Bluetooth-enabled phones, including the iPhone and Blackberry.

The Highline Plus also includes all the features of the standard Passat Highline including ABS and ESP, six airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, semi-automatic climate control, cruise control and leather upholstery. The new specification level is also available with the same engines as the Highline. This means customers can choose from a 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS petrol, 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS, 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS with or without BlueMotion technology efficiency package, and the range-topping 2.0-litre TDI with 170 PS. Gearbox availability is shown in the following table.

The Highline Plus is available to order from Volkswagen Retailers now, ready for deliveries in January. For more details, visit www.volkswagen.co.uk/passat.

More economy, style and value: The new Volkswagen Golf Estate

2009-10-04T23:00:00Z

The new Golf range is extended today with the latest and most practical model: the new Golf Estate. The car is available to order now ahead of the first models arriving in showrooms on 6 November. The car itself is more comfortable than ever, with a sharper, sportier look and high levels of standard equipment. Prices start at £16,380 for the entry-level S 1.2-litre TSI with 105 PS and rise to £22,580 for the range-topping Sportline 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS with DSG gearbox.

Taking its key styling cues from the Mk VI Golf hatchback, the Estate has a new front bumper and body coloured rear bumper, fresh new wheel designs and modified tail lights, and inside a new dashboard and revised upholsteries.

The basic range remains as before with S, SE and Sportline trim levels. However in a break from this and starting a new trend in Volkswagen’s line-ups, an economical and low-CO₂ emitting variant is available in all three trim levels designated BlueMotion Technology. From now on, only the very lowest emitting and most economical cars in a range (for example, the Golf hatch at 99 g/km) will be known as simply ‘BlueMotion’.

That said, the new Golf Estate BlueMotion Technology models – with a 105 PS 1.6-litre TDI common rail engine and available in S, SE and Sportline trims – return 67.3 mpg on the combined cycle and emit a class-leading 109 g/km of CO₂. This not only puts them in VED Band B, but means they fall below the 121 g/km company car tax threshold leading to potential savings for company car drivers of more than £1,000 over three years.

Changes to all Golf Estate BlueMotion Technology models compared with their standard counterparts are wheels with low rolling resistance tyres, battery regeneration, hill hold, a multifunction computer with visual gear change recommendation for optimum fuel consumption on manual models and a Start/Stop function. As a package they contribute to an improvement in fuel economy of around seven per cent and an eight per cent drop in carbon dioxide emissions. The premium to ‘upgrade’ from the standard 1.6-litre TDI to the BlueMotion Technology is £410 (see price list on following page for full details).

Across the range, a total of five engines will be offered: two petrol and three diesel. The entry-level petrol, which will go on sale in spring next year, will be a new 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS. It is accompanied by the existing 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS which is available now. Diesel engines consist of two 1.6-litre TDI units producing 90 (available spring) or 105 PS (available now), and a 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS (also available now). A number of different gearboxes are offered, including the seven-speed DSG automatic.

Volkswagen Golf named 'Best Small Family Car' by Fleet News

2009-03-19T00:00:00Z

The latest generation of the Volkswagen Golf has claimed another top award after being named the ‘Best Small Family Car’ at the prestigious Fleet News Awards.

The award was presented to Volkswagen’s Head of Fleet Services, Vincent Kinner at a ceremony in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel last night. On receiving the award Kinner said: ‘Since its launch in January, the Golf has been extremely well received. This latest honour is one that we are particularly proud of and another endorsement of the Golf’s many attributes.’

The judging panel for the Awards consisted of a number of key industry figures, including David Kershaw (Operations Director, Lloyds TSB Autolease), Jason King (Forecasting editor, Eurotaxglass’s), Martin Ward (Manufacturer relationships manager, CAP), Simon Harris (Consumer editor, Parkers), Steve Jones (Pricing manager, Lex) Steve West (Head of vehicle purchasing, LeasePlan) and Julian Kirk (Deputy editor, Fleet News).

Commenting on the Golf’s success, the judging panel said: ‘The latest evolution of the Golf has picked up where the previous model left off. With an impressive range of economical and refined engines, superb build quality and strong residuals, the Golf offers fantastic value for money and has set the benchmark for the sector once again.’

The Fleet News award joins a growing number of accolades achieved by the Golf since its launch earlier this year, and echoes the opinions of What Car? magazine which also named the Golf as their ‘Best Small Family Car’.

Available with highly efficient and advanced direct-injection petrol and common rail diesel engines, standard equipment on the Golf range includes air conditioning, a CD stereo system and body-coloured exterior trim. The Golf also features class-leading levels of safety with ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and seven airbags, including for the first time a knee airbag, all standard.

Smarter, lighter and even cleaner: fifth generation Polo unveiled

2009-03-03T00:00:00Z

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The fifth generation of Volkswagen’s evergreen supermini, the Polo, has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, 34 years after the original went on sale in the UK. It’s sharper, lighter, safer and more cutting edge than ever before and is set to establish new standards in the small car class.

Not only does the new Polo weigh 7.5 per cent less than the vehicle it replaces – despite being marginally wider and longer – but it’s also stronger, promises greater refinement and efficiency and features new packaging to make it the most versatile iteration yet.

The stylish Polo debuts a new look as well as highly efficient TSI and common rail TDI engines to set new benchmarks in efficiency – bettering even the high standards set by the outgoing car. In addition, advanced safety systems and an all-new construction allow it to meet the criteria for the recently introduced five-star EuroNCAP standard.

Styled by a team led by Walter de Silva (Head of Design, Volkswagen Group) the fifth generation Polo establishes a distinctive new look for the car that draws on the design direction established by the Scirocco and Golf. Clean, uncluttered lines mix with a thin, horizontal grille element framed by a set of sleek light units. The use of horizontal lines in the grille and lights allows the Polo to appear lower and wider than it really is.

The simple design approach continues to the back of the car, which features a set of distinctive new rear lights and a wider track (1,464 mm front, 1,456 mm rear) to underline the impression of solidity. At 3,952 mm in length the new Polo is 36 mm longer than the car it replaces. Its width, at 1,682 mm, has also grown by 32 mm, yet the overall height has dropped by 13 mm to 1,454 mm, lending the car a more purposeful stance.

These slightly larger dimensions and a longer wheelbase mean there’s greater space inside the new Polo. Head, shoulder and legroom have all increased, as has the load volume which now totals a minimum of 280 litres and a maximum of 952 litres.

Up front, elegant white backlit dials are set into a dashboard constructed out of high-quality, soft touch plastics. Volkswagen’s renowned attention to detail remains apparent in the new Polo with subtle aluminium highlights dotted around the interior and the option of a handy air conditioned glovebox and an easily accessed connection point for an MP3 player. In addition, and for the first time on a Polo, the RNS 310 touchscreen satellite navigation system can be specified along with a three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel.

Continuing the programme of efficiency improvements established by Volkswagen, the new Polo is powered by a mix of advanced naturally aspirated 1.2- and 1.4-litre engines as well as a new turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI petrol unit joining another all-new 1.6-litre TDI common rail diesel engine. All are equipped with either five- or six-speed manual gearboxes as standard and, for the first time on the Polo, selected variants can be specified with Volkswagen’s advanced and lightweight seven-speed DSG gearbox.

A Polo BlueMotion model will also join the range shortly after launch. Powered by a highly efficient 1.6-litre 90 PS TDI common rail diesel engine and linked to a five-speed gearbox with lengthened ratios in third, fourth and fifth, the new BlueMotion achieves 74 mpg while emitting just 96 g/km of CO₂ – bettering the outgoing Polo BlueMotion model which is itself one of the most fuel efficient vehicles currently on sale.

The gains in efficiency don’t stop there: in 2010 the second generation BlueMotion will follow. Shown as a concept car at Geneva, and equipped with an all-new 1.2-litre three-cylinder common rail diesel engine developing 75 PS, the BlueMotion II will be capable of returning 85 mpg on the combined cycle while generating just 87 g/km of CO₂. Making this possible is a package of modifications including the new engine, automatic Stop-Start and regenerative braking, a gearbox with revised ratios, optimised aerodynamics beneath the vehicle, suspension lowered by 15 mm and the fitment of low rolling resistance tyres.

The new Polo features a comprehensive roster of standard safety equipment including for the first time on all models four airbags, anti-lock brakes, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and ISOFIX anchor points all fitted as standard.

Production of the new Polo for the UK market starts this summer before first deliveries take place in October. Prices will be announced nearer this time.

A table detailing the engine derivatives available in the UK from launch follows:

Petrol engines:

Engine	PS	Transmission
1.2-litre	60	5-spd
1.2-litre	70	5-spd
1.4-litre	85	5-spd / 7-spd DSG
1.2-litre TSI	105	6-spd

Diesel engines:

Engine	PS	Transmission
1.6-litre TDI	75	5-spd
1.6-litre TDI	90	5-spd

Jetta TDI clean diesel named 2009 Green Car of the Year

2008-11-26T00:00:00Z

The Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel has been honoured at the Los Angeles Motor Show by the Green Car Journal, being crowned ‘2009 Green Car of the Year’.

The Jetta, which takes centre stage at the Los Angeles Show this month, is the first diesel vehicle to receive the prestigious award.

A jury of nine environmental and automotive experts from North America commended the Jetta TDI for its strong performance, fuel economy and low emissions.

Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal commented: ‘Hybrids have dominated the discussion of environmentally positive vehicles in recent years. The highly fuel efficient, 50 state emissions certified Jetta TDI shows that advanced clean diesel has arrived and is poised to change this dynamic. With its affordable price point, refined ride and handling, and high fuel economy, the Jetta TDI shows that hybrids now have a strong competitor in the marketplace.’

The Jetta uses a 2.0-litre four cylinder common rail TDI engine producing 140 PS and 320 Nm (236 lbs ft) of torque at 1,750 rpm. Two key modifications have been made to the ‘Clean Diesel’ engine to substantially reduce the Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions.

The common rail engine in the Jetta TDI clean diesel adopts optimised combustion chamber geometries and precise injection processes at extremely high pressures reduce the production of NOx. An exhaust gas recirculation process in the combustion chamber then reduces the concentration of oxygen with which the nitrogen can react and controls the combustion temperatures. This process can reduce temperature-dependent NOx emissions by up to 60 percent.

As a further measure to reduce emissions, a highly-efficient NOx storage catalytic converter soaks up any nitrogen oxides which remain. This filter is cleaned regularly, and without the driver knowing, through an automated engine management mode.

These modifications make the Jetta TDI one of the cleanest and most fuel efficient vehicles on sale in North America. It meets the strictest emissions regulations in the world including BIN5 standard, which is equivalent to the Euro 6 standard which becomes law in 2014.

The Jetta continues to enjoy sustained popularity in the North American market, enjoying popularity primarily with younger buyers. It is the best-selling European vehicle in the US, accounting for 40 per cent of Volkswagen’s US sales. The Jetta TDI with Clean Diesel has been available across North America since August 2008.

‘It is a tremendous honour to have our Jetta TDI awarded Green Car of the Year,’ said Stefan Jacoby, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. ‘We believe the Jetta TDI provides our customers with the best of both worlds – excellent fuel efficiency combined with a dynamic driving experience.

New Golf is awarded maximum five-star euro NCAP safety rating

2008-10-22T23:00:00Z

The new Volkswagen Golf has been awarded a maximum five-star rating by the Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) crash test agency.

The Golf, now in its sixth generation, achieved 36 out of a possible 37 points for occupant protection leading to a five-star award. In the area of child safety the new Golf scored an impressive four stars; a further three stars were awarded for pedestrian safety.

The new Golf will be among the safest vehicles currently on sale, thanks to the fitment of seven airbags, including a knee airbag, as standard across the range. This is in addition to standard Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), Brake Assist, ABS, the introduction of new whiplash reducing headrests, side impact protection and a stronger chassis structure than ever before.

Along with the comprehensive range of standard safety equipment, the new Golf can also be specified with rear side airbags and seatbelt sensors for the rear occupants that allow the driver to check, via the multifunction display in the instrument panel, whether those in the back seats are wearing their seatbelts.

Volkswagen has always been at the forefront of occupant safety. The Volkswagen 411, launched in 1968 featured front crumple zones and a passenger survival cell, a trait carried over to the Mk I Golf in 1974 while adding self-stabilising steering, rear crumple zones and fuel tank protection. In 1987 the Golf Mk II was fitted with ABS for the first time and in 1991 the Mk III Golf introduced a collapsible steering column, side impact protection and traction control.

A total of 34 years and 26 million sales after the introduction of the Mk I Golf, the Mk VI continues to set new standards.

Ordering for the new Golf opened on 17 October with prices starting at £13,150 RRP ‘on the road’. The car goes on sale in the UK on 6 January 2009. Today, ABI (Association of British Insurers) insurance group ratings are announced for the new Golf. They are shown below. For more information on the new Golf, visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.

Engine	Insurance group
1.4-litre 80 PS	4
1.6-litre 102 PS	5
1.4-litre TSI 122 PS	7
2.0-litre TDI 110 PS	6
2.0-litre TDI 140 PS	12

Volkswagen BlueMotion: Now with the option of seven seats

2008-10-13T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen’s BlueMotion range of vehicles has expanded with the addition of the Touran and Sharan people carriers – which are among the most efficient seven-seater vehicles on the market.

BlueMotion represents the most efficient model in each of Volkswagen’s passenger car ranges and combines a series of small changes to the vehicle’s body, drivetrain, engine and even the tyres in order to reduce strain on the engine and, in turn, reduce emissions and increase economy.

Both vehicles feature subtly redesigned grille elements with the air ducts redirected to allow the usual airdams to be blanked-off and allow for smoother airflow over the front of the vehicle. The ride height is also lowered to reduce drag. Other visual and practical changes include the adoption of hard compound tyres to decrease rolling resistance and the addition of small BlueMotion badges on the grille and tailgate.

A revised gearbox with lengthened ratios in third, fourth and fifth gears is linked to a highly efficient 1.9-litre, four-cylinder 105 PS engine fitted with a new variable turbocharger to further increase efficiency in the Touran and a 2.0-litre 140 PS TDI in the Sharan. An oxidation catalyst and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) are also added to reduce oxides of nitrogen and carbon particles to almost zero.

The result is a combined fuel economy figure of 52.3 mpg for the Touran BlueMotion and 47.1 mpg for the Sharan BlueMotion. Carbon dioxide emissions are reduced to 144 g/km for the Touran and 159 g/km for the Sharan.

As with the conventional Touran or Sharan the BlueMotion vehicles feature seven individual seats, the rearmost of which on the Touran can be folded flat into the boot floor. Despite the keen focus on economy both vehicles retain a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including six airbags, ABS, a CD stereo and air conditioning.

Both vehicles are now on sale with prices starting at £16,725 for the Touran and £21,290 RRP on the road for the Sharan BlueMotion. For more details visit your Volkswagen Retailer, call 0800 333 666 or go to www.volkswagen.co.uk.

Touran and Sharan BlueMotion pricing

Model	Combined economy, mpg	CO₂, g/km	RRP OTR
Touran BlueMotion S	52.3	144	£16,725
Touran BlueMotion SE	52.3	144	£18,800
Sharan BlueMotion S	47.1	159	£21,290