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VW Changes Its Mind and Announces Hybrid Vehicles are In Its Future

The Golf ECO.Power Shows Just How Efficient Diesel-Hybrid Drivetrains Can Be

With oil over $53 per barrel this week, and no end in sight for the much higher prices compared to the same time last year, more automakers are preparing for what may be a very fuel conscious consumer if the upward trend continues.

Before the world can take advantage of a hydrogen economy, a utopian solution that still requires many infrastructural problems to be resolved, European automakers have been pushing the merits of modern day diesel power, for the most part, while the U.S. and Japanese have taken the HEV, or hybrid-electric vehicle route, the latter with exception of heavy-duty domestic pickup trucks and Jeeps new Liberty Diesel.

As it has

Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and now Jeep, have still been able to tout the merits of clean, quiet, powerful yet economical common-rail diesel power against complicated and as yet unproven HEV systems. (Photo: Volkswagen of America)

been, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and now Jeep, have still been able to tout the merits of clean, quiet, powerful yet economical common-rail diesel power against complicated and as yet unproven (over the long haul) HEV systems, being that fuel economy figures do not necessarily benefit the Japanese and soon, with the introduction of the new Ford Escape Hybrid, domestic hybrids.

But all has

After originally dismissing hybrid technology, Volkswagen AG seems to be changing its mind on the issue. It recently showed a diesel-electric hybrid prototype. (Photo: Volkswagen of America)

changed since HEV leader Toyota announced diesel-HEVs would be part of its future (see automotive news section for August 16, 2004: Toyota Considering Making Diesel-Electric Hybrid Vehicles). The added benefits of diesel efficiency and performance would be considerably enhanced with an integrated hybrid-electric system, and could be done easily as all that is needed, simplistically, is for the gasoline-powered ICE (internal combustion engine) to be swapped out for a diesel one.

After stating it wouldnt be looking at hybrids as an interim

The Golf ECO.Power was demonstrated at the Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai (a program started by Michelin), earlier this week. (Photo: Volkswagen of America)

answer to reducing fuel consumption and cleaning up emissions, Volkswagen AG seems to be changing its mind on the issue. It recently showed a diesel-electric hybrid prototype that many analysts are saying hints at what may be on the horizon for Europes number one automaker. The Golf ECO.Power was demonstrated at the Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai (a program started by Michelin), earlier this week, and features an 85-kilowatt (114-hp), 1.4-liter 3-cylinder diesel joined to a 15 kilowatt (20-hp) electric motor.

The diesel-HEV could potentially deliver up to 10 to 15 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline-electric powertrain, stated Matthias Rabe, director of research

Not only can the diesel-HEV potentially deliver up to 10 to 15 percent better fuel economy than traditional HEVs, itll be faster from 0 to 100 km/h. (Photo: Volkswagen of America)

for the VW Group. And what about performance? Zero to 100 km/h (0-62.5 mph) needs a mere 11.0 seconds while a top speed of approximately 122 mph is attainable. The Golf ECO.Power is equipped with a stop-start function, similar to all current production hybrids, and achieves a thrifty 62 mpg fuel economy average.

VW was coy about production plans, with Rabe only stating that the technology could have great potential in some markets, highlighting North America due to fuel economy concerns, and China to reduce pollution.

As previously mentioned the Europeans have downplayed the viability of HEV technology in the market, with Volkswagen AG Chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder questioning its real value even last year.

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