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VW to Reduce Fuel Consumption for Models in China by More Than 20%
1 April 2007
Volkswagen announced new environmental goals for China during the inauguration of its new engine plant in Dalian. These goals envisage a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of more than 20% for models built at the plants operated by the two joint ventures—FAW-Volkswagen and Shanghai Volkswagen—by 2010. The new engine plant is designed for an annual production capacity of 300,000 units.
Volkswagen said it intends to become the most environmentally friendly automaker in China with the help of TFSI (Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection) engines (earlier post), new transmissions, lightweight design and unspecified further initiatives.
In addition, the company is currently arranging for the certification of all production sites in China to the ISO 14001 environmental management standard.
Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen have already been complying with the standard for several years, the FAW-Volkswagen powertrain components plant was certified in February. The company has undertaken to recognize the ISO 14001 environmental management standard and plans to complete certification of all productions plants in China by the end of 2007
As the market leader in China we have an obligation to ensure that growth is compatible with the environment while also keeping ahead of government regulations.
—Dr. Winfried Vahland, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group China
Audi began making a 1.8-liter version of the direct-injection TFSI engine available in the A3 in January 2007.
April 1, 2007 in China, Engines, Fuel Efficiency | Permalink | Comments (27) | TrackBack (0)
Comments
Posted by: pogo | April 03, 2007 at 07:11 PM
Note to Vdub:
Toss the turbocharger in the TDi, and install hybrid electric with a 6-sp.
Posted by: darwin award | May 09, 2007 at 01:00 PM
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Hmmm, would shorter range vehicles really result in "bringing home closer to daily destinations"? It would be nice if it did, but I wonder. In general, I think people's choice of home location, in decreasing order is: initial purchase price, quality of neighborhood, distance from work. If everyone could afford to live in nice neighborhood, 10 miles from work, most people would. I don't see how cars with 50 mile ranges are going to change those economics. Doubling or tripling of fuel prices could change the economics by driving the price of homes nearer to cities, and transportation hubs, up more. That, in turn will result in more urban renewal in those areas. People living in these areas may find short range cars useful, but I don't see that their availability drives anything.
A recent "mega-city" study (newscientist?) suggests that electric vehicles will not help with urban transportation and that the only way to make urban transportation more efficient is to eliminate private vehicles from with the city cores. Interesting. Does anyone know how much parking, ticket, and toll, revenue NYC would lose were it to do that?