To the Point: BlueMotionTechnologies

A new umbrella brand for the world of efficiency

Wolfsburg, 02 February 2009 - Passat BlueMotion – new 110-PS TDI consumes just 4.9 liters

-Passat BlueTDI – new 143-PS TDI with SCR catalytic converter attains limits of Euro-6 standard

-Passat TSI EcoFuel – first car with direct-injection natural gas engine

-Touareg Hybrid – new V6 TSI and E-motor drive consumption below 9 liters

In the first part of this year, Volkswagen will simultaneously launch three extremely fuel-efficient Passat versions with low emissions to the market: the second generation of the Passat BlueMotion, the Passat BlueTDI and the Passat TSI EcoFuel. Each of these new Passats represents an individual solution tailored to meet the challenges of our times. Volkswagen is presenting all three Passats under a new umbrella brand: BlueMotionTechnologies. This label covers all production-mature or near-production technologies and products that significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

BlueMotionTechnologies These are developments such as the new start-stop system, regenerative braking and the highly innovative SCR catalytic converter and the NOx storage catalytic converter already implemented successfully in the USA electric drive and hybrid systems. Also included are the innovative drive systems of the new TSI EcoFuel. These technologies are proof that Volkswagen is once again leading the way with innovative, efficient and cost effective solutions for the future. Recent beginnings of this process can be seen in the Polo BlueMotion, which in 2006 was the first five-seater to reduce fuel consumption below 4.0 liters per 100 kilometers.

The extent of today’s BlueMotion range currently extends from this Polo to the Golf, Jetta, Caddy, Touran, Sharan, and up to the new Passat BlueMotion. A recent survey by the organization "Deutsche Automobil Treuhand DAT", the renowned and world’s oldest institution for automotive market research, demonstrates just how successful the BlueMotion label has become today. In a representative survey, the esteemed DAT found that 85 percent of German car drivers are familiar with the BlueMotion label. The next best competitor only attained a recognition level of 36 percent. This makes BlueMotion the number 1 among automotive environmental labels in Germany.

The term BlueMotionTechnologies does not define a fixed set of technologies but a range of continually evolving, innovative solutions. Under the same label, Volkswagen is offering an initial look at the prototype of the new Touareg Hybrid. The powertrain technology implemented here will go into production with the next generation Touareg. Average fuel consumption: less than 9.0 liters per 100 kilometers. CO2 emissions: less than 210 g/km. The countdown has already started for this car.

Representative of just how innovative BlueMotionTechnologies are in the 2009 product lineup, is the current Passat – a mid-class model that has long claimed a position as the most fuel efficient, cleanest and most economical car in its class.

Take the Passat BlueMotion, for example: Here a new common rail TDI (81 kW / 110 PS) delivers pioneering 4.9 liter average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of just 128 g/km (Wagon: 129 g/km). The Passat BlueMotion has a start-stop system as standard equipment and attains the limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard that takes effect in September. Its range of over 1,400 kilometers on one tank of fuel is a sensation as well – travelers starting out in Berlin will not be looking for a gas station until shortly before Rome! This car is already being sold.

Consider the Passat BlueTDI. This diesel is far ahead of its time: it will be the first TDI launched by Volkswagen to attain the limits of the Euro-6 emissions standard that does not become law until 2014. Aboard the Passat BlueTDI, a so-called SCR catalytic converter reduces nitrogen oxides to a level below 80 mg/km. Production of the 105 kW / 143 PS Passat BlueTDI will ramp up at the beginning of March. Fuel consumption of the sedan with standard 6-speed transmission: 5.2 liters per 100 kilometers. This yields CO2 emissions of 137 g/km (Wagon: 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers / 144 g/km CO2). As an option, the Passat BlueTDI is available with a 6-speed DSG. The Passat BlueTDI is positioned above the Passat BlueMotion due to its greater power and more sophisticated emissions control system.

Take the example of the Passat TSI EcoFuel: The TSI EcoFuel, boosted by supercharger and turbocharger, revolutionizes the world of cars powered by natural gas. Never before has there been a natural gas vehicle with this kind of dynamic performance that is so fuel efficient and clean. The Passat TSI EcoFuel breaks the 120 gram CO2 barrier. In natural gas mode its driver pays less than 4.25 Euros* per 100 kilometers; and its engine – with 110 kW / 150 PS – delivers precisely the type of performance one would want in a highly comfortable travel car like the Passat.

Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid in detail – prototype with near-production technology
The Touareg Hybrid prototype being demonstrated incorporates many features of the production vehicle of tomorrow. The car is powered by a new V6 TSI – a highly advanced configuration of a direct injection gasoline engine boosted by a mechanically-driven supercharger – in tandem with an electric motor. It features a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen is implementing a parallel hybrid drive on the future Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid. The SUV is able to offer a state-of-the-art all-wheel drive system and up to 3.5 metric tons towing capacity in this version too.

The V6 TSI on the Touareg is clearly happy at high revs and exhibits agile response. It delivers 245 kW / 333 PS. This places the TSI at the same power level as an eight cylinder engine, yet it is considerably more fuel efficient. When used in the hybrid drive, fuel consumption of less than 9.0 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers is attained. The electric motor installed between the V6 TSI and the 8-speed automatic transmission delivers a maximum power of 38 kW / 52 PS. In boosting mode – where maximum torque and power are required, the V6 TSI engine and the electric motor operate together (by kickdown or gearshift selector in "S" position). Under these conditions, a temporary maximum power of 275 kW / 374 PS is available with a maximum torque of 550 Newton-meter. However, it should be stated that the system is primarily designed for excellent fuel consumptions and emissions and that the availability of temporary high performance is just a welcome side benefit.

Passat BlueMotion in detail – the most fuel efficient Passat of all times
BlueMotion is the Volkswagen label for the most fuel efficient cars of the brand. The BlueMotion version of the large Passat is especially successful. That is why Volkswagen is launching its second generation of BlueMotion cars with this model. Dealers are already making first deliveries of the new Passat BlueMotion. This Volkswagen – offered as a sedan or wagon – is now powered by a new highly advanced version of the common rail turbo-diesel with 81 kW / 110 PS. Aboard the Passat BlueMotion, as mentioned, the engine consumes only 4.9 liters fuel per 100 kilometers; accordingly, its CO2 emissions are also low at 128 g/km (Wagon: 129 g/km).

In addition, a start-stop system is being implemented that is highly effective, especially in city driving. Also new in the technology package of the most fuel efficient Passat of all times: longer gear ratios, low-friction drive shafts, super reduced rolling resistance tires and extra lightweight wheels made of flow-formed steel. The material thickness of these wheels is lower in certain sections to save on weight. The BlueMotion package can be ordered in combination with one of the four equipment variants Trendline, Comfortline, Highline or Sportline. Always included: the particulate filter.

Passat BlueTDI in detail – the cleanest Passat TDI of all times
In just a few weeks, the Passat BlueTDI will be launched on initial European markets, serving as a frontrunner for an entirely new series of pioneering BlueTDI models. This new model already attains the limits of the Euro-6 emission standard that does not take effect until the year 2014.

A highly sophisticated SCR catalytic converter – together with the additive AdBlue – ensures significant reduction of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases. The acronym SCR stands for "Selective Catalytic Reduction". "Selective" refers to the fact that this catalytic converter selectively converts nitrogen oxide (NOx) components in the exhaust into nitrogen and water without forming undesirable by-products. This makes the Passat BlueTDI the most environmentally-friendly diesel production car in the world.

Technically speaking, the Passat BlueTDI is based on the 103 kW / 140 PS, 2.0 liter common rail engine. However, the BlueTDI develops 105 kW / 143 PS and despite the slight increase in power, it consumes up to 0.4 liter less than the conventional TDI, depending on body version. On the Passat Wagon BlueTDI, fuel consumption is 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers (144 g/km CO2); on the sedan it is 5.2 liters (137 g/km CO2).

Passat TSI EcoFuel in detail – the most dynamic natural gas car of all times
The Passat TSI EcoFuel is ushering in a new era of cars powered by natural gas. Until now, one of the drawbacks of cars powered by natural gas – a fuel that is as environmentally-friendly as it is economical – has been that performance can be rather unexciting. Thanks to its advanced, 110 kW / 150 PS engine, the Passat TSI EcoFuel combines a maximum speed of 210 km/h with excellent fuel consumption and finally puts an end to the myth that natural gas cars are slow.. The natural gas powered Passat accelerates to 100 km/h in just 9.7 seconds.

Despite its great agility, the world’s first turbocharged and supercharged direct-injection engine configured for natural gas operation in the Passat, and equipped with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG) it requires just 4.4 kilograms (!) of natural gas per 100 kilometers (cost point: just 4.25 Euros* / 100 km). At 119 g/km CO2, the Passat breaks the 120 g/km CO2 barrier. Market launch for both the Passat and Passat Wagon TSI EcoFuel is already scheduled for the first part of 2009.

For the first time Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles delivers more than 500,000 vehicles worldwide in 2008

-Worldwide deliveries rose by 2.9 percent
-The market leadership in Europe has been extended

Hanover, 12th January 2009: For the first time in the company´s history, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has delivered more than half a million commercial vehicles in 2008. With 503,025 commercial vehicles delivered to customers, the brand increased its numbers by 2.9 percent compared to the previous year (2007: 488,726).
"Despite the difficult market trends in the second six months of the year we have achieved the best ever sales level in the history of our company, which we can be proud of, and rightly so," says Stephan Schaller, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The brand achieved increases especially in its main markets of Europe and South America.

The T5 family was again the most sold product (Transporter and Multivan) resulting in 178,000 deliveries (2007: 191,200). The Caddy achieved a delivery result of 151,570 vehicles (2007:147,130). The Crafter also continued its positive development with 51,100 deliveries (2007: 46,160).

The models Saveiro and T2, manufactured in Brazil, rose to a total of 67,270 units (2007: 57,440). In 2008, the Truck & Bus category delivered 45,780 trucks (2007: 38.820) and 9,280 buses (2007: 7,960).

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles was able to further extend its market leadership in Europe delivering 332,372 light commercial vehicles and gaining an increase of 1.1 percent (2007: 328,766). The most important markets next to Germany, which had 124,850 deliveries, (increase of 2.3 percent) were in particular France (increase of 5.3 percent) and Italy (increase of 14.3 percent). In Central and East Europe, the deliveries rose by 22 percent to approximately 49,000 vehicles.

In South America deliveries rose by 18.6 percent to 119,100 light and heavy commercial vehicles delivered (2007: 100.440). In the main market of Brazil, 105,620 units were delivered – a rise of 23.7 percent compared to the previous year (85,370).

Harald Schomburg, member of the brand board of management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles for sales and marketing: "Our customers continue to trust in the competence of our brand and models in these economically difficult times. This trust will also be our competitive advantage in the difficult year that lies ahead of us."

"Of course, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles cannot avoid the changed economic environment," emphasises Schaller. "However, we are holding on to our long-term goal of selling 750,000 light commercial vehicles in the year 2018." The new pick-up, further new products and the entry into new markets will continue to strengthen the course of the profitable growth of the brand in the coming years.

New Caddy Sportline Models add Excitment to the Range.

The stylish new Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Sportline panel van makes its show debut at Interbuild 2008, at the NEC from 26 to 30 October.

The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles stand in Hall 4 also features its best-selling van, the Transporter, fitted with a Bott racking system, plus a Crafter Tipper from the Volkswagen Engineered to go™ range of conversions, and a Crafter panel van fitted with a Supertrucks glass frail carrier.

The new Caddy Maxi Sportline and the smaller Caddy Sportline, were announced last month and join the existing Transporter Sportline (short and long wheelbase panel vans and five-seater kombi) to expand the Volkswagen Sportline range to five models.

Volkswagen’s stylish Sportline range is designed for builders and contractors who want a van that stands out from the crowd with swift performance to match.

The eye-catching exterior of the Caddy Maxi Sportline includes: chrome side rails and front grilles, lower front spoiler with integrated fog lights, rear roof spoiler, body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, plus unique 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels with Sportline centre logo. Under the bonnet, a 2.0-litre TDI PD engine can deliver a 0 to 62mph time of 10.5 seconds and 45.6 mpg on the combined cycle.

The interior is special too, with bespoke black Italian leather upholstery with red stitching, micro-perforated red centre panels and embroidered Sportline logo, plus electric windows, ‘Climatic’ air conditioning, a radio/CD and electrically operated and heated door mirrors. The load area has a payload of 724 kg and volume of 4.2 m³.

Prices for the new Caddy Maxi Sportline were announced this week, with a basic retail price (excluding VAT) of £18,280. Full details of the Sportline range are available from www.volkswagensportline.co.uk.

‘Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers a great range of vehicles for the building industry, with strong residual values and the back-up of a dedicated, nationwide Van Centre network with fully trained staff used to dealing with customers in all trades,’ said Simon Elliott, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

For more details of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, or to find your nearest Volkswagen Van Centre, visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.

Wanderlust-ready – Caddy for the globetrotter

-Caddy PanAmericana concept car was designed for real-life giants
-All-terrain 16-inch tires, full-time all-wheel drive, leather interior

For generations, commercial vehicles from Volkswagen in the style of a Bulli, Multivan or California have been the first choice of globetrotters. That is because they are virtually indestructible and infinitely versatile. Exactly 23 years ago, in the summer of 1985, Volkswagen treated globetrotters (and users of the Transporter models) to the first vehicle with all-wheel drive. A short time later, one of these vans drove around the globe in 131 days – faster than any other car before it.

Since that time, the talented and versatile vans from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles have been demonstrating their mastery of long journeys as well as the great construction sites of this world – even making passages that were previously the exclusive domain of off-roaders. A model under the “VW” label especially designed for duty off the beaten path is the Multivan PanAmericana. Essentially, this is a specialist among specialists. In a world premiere at the IAA 2008 in Hanover, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is now presenting the second vehicle under this legendary name – the Caddy PanAmericana concept vehicle.

From a technical perspective, the concept car – like the new Caddy 4MOTION – sports the latest generation of 4MOTION all-wheel drive with electro-hydraulic Haldex clutch. It distributes power from the 250 Newton-meter strong TDI (77 kW / 105 PS) between the front and rear axles so that optimal traction is always guaranteed.

Visually, the concept car – outfitted with two sliding doors – is identified by typical PanAmericana insignias such as “Salt Lake Grey Metallic” body paint, large 16-inch wheels with all-terrain tires (here in size AT 215/70 R16), robust black plastic bumpers, recessed side skirts in aluminum look, protective underbody components in the front and rear also in aluminum look, as well as PanAmericana signatures on the engine hood and its two-section door-style tailgate. Specially framed in aluminum trim are the dark tinted side windows in the rear (privacy windows). In contrast to the production Caddy, tinted taillights and black-background headlight housings were applied to the concept van.

The interior has been upgraded by the use of luxurious and durable leather in the “Cricket” pattern. Similar to the “large” PanAmericana, the seats are designed in a natural brown tone. The individual leather sections are joined by distinctive cross-stitching; for contrast the piping is designed in a light gray tone. Also color coordinated here are the air vents in the instrument area with the metal look of their bezels. Also designed in leather are special pockets in the rear seating area that serve as extra storage compartments.

Incidentally, the PanAmericana name is an homage to two record drives on the route between Alaska and Tierra del Fuego. First, one extreme athlete rode a bicycle over the 22,880 kilometer long stretch between Prudhoe Bay and his destination Ushuaia in support of Aids relief. In another, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles set a world record in the year 1999: the Multivan Syncro of that time completed the Pan-American Highway – the world’s dream road – in just 15 days, 14 hours and 6 minutes. Without all-wheel drive this passage would have been unthinkable

The first Caddy with four-wheel drive

-The newest generation of four-wheel drive
-World premiere at the IAA Commercial Vehicles

Hanover, 16 September, 2008: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles writes a new chapter in the success story of the Caddy with the world premiere of the Caddy 4MOTION at the IAA in Hanover. For the first time, permanent four-wheel drive is available for the talented all-rounder. The tractive force of the Caddy 4MOTION is distributed by an electronically regulated Haldex coupling of the newest generation.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has modified the Caddy 4MOTION in numerous points compared with the front-wheel drive version and equipped it with new technical elements. In addition to the electronically regulated fourth-generation Haldex coupling, changes include the propshaft, an exhaust system adapted to the rear final drive and propshaft, a newly designed fuel tank and reinforced longitudinal members in the rear. A manual six-speed gearbox, standard hill-hold assist as well as the electronic stabilisation programme ESP, also standard, are ideal for use in the Caddy 4MOTION. While the front axle could be completely carried over from the front-wheel drive Caddy, the rigid axle at the rear had to be modified extensively for use with four-wheel drive.

Standard equipment in Germany for the Caddy 4MOTION includes, among other things, fog lights, heat-reflective glass, 15-inch wheels with 195/65 R15 tyres, a multifunction display and a sliding door in the back on the right (and also on the left in the Life version). The Caddy 4 MOTION can also be ordered with an upward-opening hatch or split doors in the rear, as desired.

The Caddy 4MOTION is powered by a four-cylinder turbo diesel with 77 kW (105 PS). The thrifty TDI has a diesel particulate filter (DPF) as standard and fulfils the Euro 4 emissions standard.

The power train combination of a TDI with DPF and 4MOTION attains CO2 values of 172 g/km in the panel van version and 176 g/km in the window van and Life versions, very good values for vehicles of this size. The Caddy 4MOTION attains accordingly low combined fuel consumption, using 6.6 and 6.7 litres of diesel per 100 km for the panel van and Life versions respectively. All versions of the Caddy 4MOTION have a top speed of 164 km/h. Prices for the Caddy 4MOTION will be announced at the IAA.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles seeks continued growth with new products

Pictured left to right of screen VWCV Board Members Stephan Schaller (CEO), Dr Wolfgang Schreiber (Product & Development) and Harold Schomburg (Sales & Marketing).

• Five world premieres at IAA Commercial Vehicles
• New series: Volkswagen Pickup show car
• Worldwide deliveries up 9.3 per cent to end of August

Hanover, 23rd September 2008. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is presenting five world premieres at IAA Commercial Vehicles, including a preview of the Volkswagen Pickup which will be launched as the fourth new series of light commercial vehicles towards the end of 2009. The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand is on a growth track – deliveries to customers on a worldwide basis rose by 9.3 per cent to 343,100 light and heavy commercial vehicles by the end of August.
“New products, new markets, new technology – the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand continues to experience sustainable and profitable growth”, emphasised Stephan Schaller, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles at today’s press conference.

The brand intends to increase its worldwide deliveries of light commercial vehicles to 800,000 units by 2018. According to Schaller, this growth is to be achieved by introducing new products and by developing variants of the existing product range, some of which can be seen for the first time at IAA Commercial Vehicles.

The most spectacular highlight of the trade fair from VWCV’s perspective is its first ever presentation of a Volkswagen Pickup show car. This adds a fourth series (in addition to Caddy, T5 and Crafter) to the brand's range of light commercial vehicles, which already boasts an extensive set of variants.

This means that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be the first volume manufacturer in Europe to enter the 1-tonne Pickup segment, with its high growth global potential. According to Schaller, the key markets for the Volkswagen Pickup are the countries of South America – especially Brazil. He also sees South Africa, Australia and South East Asia as being important markets for this universally adaptable commercial vehicle. And the vehicle will also be introduced into the European market. Overall sales projections for the new Pickup amount to around 100,000 units per year.

Schaller was confident of achieving worldwide total deliveries of over 500,000 light and heavy commercial vehicles in 2008. He was optimistic of achieving this annual target, despite difficult economic conditions at the present time in certain European countries.

Schaller: “Markets are getting harder – but Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will continue to grow this year.”

This is borne out by sales figures from the most significant markets.

• In Germany deliveries of vehicles in the Caddy, T5 and Crafter series grew by some 7.5 per cent between January and August – a total of approximately 79,800 vehicles.
• In Western Europe product delivery numbers grew by 3.2 per cent to 190,900 units.
• In the booming eastern European markets, deliveries rose by nearly 30 per cent to more than 32,900 light commercial vehicles. In Russia alone the brand sold 6,630 units, up 87 per cent.
• In South America deliveries of light and heavy commercial vehicles increased by around 25 per cent to 82,300 units.

The President of Volkswagen Trucks and Buses, Roberto Cortes, predicted that 2008 would see a new worldwide delivery record of 60,000 heavy commercial vehicles and buses. Volkswagen has been the market leader in Brazil for the last six years, and now has a market share of some 31.6 per cent.

In addition to the Volkswagen Pickup show car, the brand is presenting four other world premieres in Hall 12 at this year’s IAA Commercial Vehicles, taking place between 25th September and 2nd October.

• The Caddy 4MOTION opens another chapter in the success story of this series. With the sales launch planned perfectly for the start of winter, it will at last be possible to buy a delivery van with a permanent four-wheel drive option. In the Caddy 4MOTION, power is distributed via an electronically controlled latest generation Haldex gearbox.

• The Caddy PanAmericana Studie is a variant of the Caddy 4MOTION for globetrotters. With its 16 inch all-terrain wheels, off-road look and feel, not to mention its high-quality yet robust leather interior upholstery, the Caddy PanAmericana Studie turns heads.

• With the Caddy Life Style Edition, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is presenting the most exclusive series Caddy of all time – a top-of-the-range Caddy variant due to be launched in November 2008.

• Another world premiere is the Crafter BlueMotion Studie. This 3.5-tonne diesel estate has a fuel economy rate of 31.04 mpg and already complies with the Euro 5 emission standard due to come into force in autumn 2009.

As Schaller said, with the Volkswagen Pickup, with the world premieres and also with other models adapted to meet the needs of global growth markets, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is well positioned to continue along the track of profitable growth.

VW Commercial Vehicles UK expands Sportline range with the Caddy.

The success of the Transporter Sportline series in the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK line up has spurred the marketing team to introduce the new Caddy Sportline and Caddy Maxi Sportline vans.

I just wish Volkswagen Australia could bring the Sportline series Down Under.

Heres the Press Release..............



INTRODUCING THE NEW CADDY AND CADDY MAXI SPORTLINE

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has released the first images of two exciting new models in its stylish Sportline range – the Caddy Sportline and Caddy Maxi Sportline vans, set to go on sale next month.

They join the existing Transporter Sportline panel van (short and long wheelbase) and Transporter Sportline kombi to make a range of five models in Volkswagen’s dynamic Sportline range. Each vehicle combines aggressive yet tasteful styling additions while retaining the versatility for which the vehicles are renowned to provide customers with a vehicle that’s equally suited to commercial or leisure applications.

Full details of the specification and prices will be announced in October, but as the preview photographs indicate the distinctive styling of the Caddy Sportline and Caddy Maxi Sportline includes alloy wheels, a lower front spoiler with fog lights, chrome upper and lower grilles, chrome side rails, body coloured bumpers and door mirror housings, plus a rear roof spoiler.

‘We’re excited by the potential for the Caddy Sportline and Caddy Sportline in the small and medium-sized van market,’ said Gemma Cox, Product Manager, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

‘Judging by the popularity of the Transporter Sportline with customers wanting to create a distinctive and dynamic image for them and their business, we’re sure the Caddy Sportline and Caddy Maxi Sportline will be just as successful,’ she continued.