Looking back to the future. 15 years of certified environmental ...

Volkswagen saw further potential for greater efficiency and
improved environmental protection in consistent downsizing,
an approach which was demonstrated in 2004 in the first
dual-clutch gearbox, on the Golf R32, which significantly
reduced the consumption drawbacks of automatic transmissions,
and the Golf GT with TSI engine and twin-charging,
which appeared at the beginning of 2006. This model featured
a number of new technical developments combined to
form a convincing downsizing package. The car marked a
new highlight in the development of TSI technology, which
has since been adopted for many Volkswagen models.
In 2007, the best-selling Golf V BlueMotion
achieved an average fuel consumption of
just 4.5 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres,
breaking the 5-litre barrier that had proved
such an obstacle for mass-produced vehicles.
At the same time, combined CO 2
emissions fell from 135 g/km to 119 g/km.
Other features adopted on the Golf V
in the interests of greater efficiency and
environmental protection included an
underbody tray (2003), insulating materials
incorporating renewable raw materials
(2003), electro-mechanical steering (2003)
and a diesel particulate filter in 2005.
2007
Extremely strong lightweight steel parts produced
by hot stamping make the Passat B6 about
20 kilograms lighter than its predecessor.
In 2003, the 2.0-litre Passat B5 with 100 kW
(136 HP) TDI engine became the first Volkswagen
model to be fitted with a diesel particulate filter,
ensuring that it easily complied with the Euro 4
emissions standard.
Also in 2006, when Germany hosted the nations of the world
for the FIFA World Cup, the Polo BlueMotion was launched,
ushering in the successful BlueMotion concept with an aver -
age fuel consumption of only 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres.
This very low consumption was achieved by using higher
gear ratios, aerodynamic fine tuning and engine design
modifications. The same year, the first EcoFuel natural gas
models (Caddy and Touran) made their debut. Progress was
also in evidence in organisational structures. In 2007, the
environmental goals of the Technical Development department
were revised. Seven target areas were combined to
form three specific goals: climate protection, resource conservation
and healthcare.
Looking back to the future 21