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Autos: Volkswagen deserves a medal for green technology

By Zhao Bian (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-14 15:49

To help Beijing achieve its goal of a "Green and Hi-tech Olympics", Volkswagen Group China in conjunction with Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen has contributed a "Green Olympic Fleet" of 30 environmental-friendly vehicles to provide transportation shuttle services between the Main Press Center and the competition venues during the Olympic Games.

The "green fleet" vehicles are all able to meet Euro-V emission standards and showcase Volkswagen's innovative powertrain technology and unrivaled technological edge.

The Volkswagen "green fleet" comprises five models: Magotan 2.0 TDI, Sagitar 1.4 TSI, Touran EcoFuel, Tiguan 2.0 TDI and Magotan BlueMotion.

Supported by Volkswagen's advanced green powertrain technology, they are equipped with state-of-the-art engines, gearboxes, lightweight construction, clean fuel and other hi-tech solutions, a perfect combination of powerful drive, low energy consumption and low emissions.

A top concern

"As the official automobile partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Volkswagen Group China will set an excellent example for environmental friendliness. Volkswagen has set itself the goal of becoming the most environmentally friendly automaker in China. That's why we will cut the fuel consumption and emissions of the models produced in China by more than 20 percent by 2010." Professor Dr. Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, said.

While Beijing is hosting a "Green Olympic Games", Volkswagen Group China has joined hands with all its joint ventures in China to launch a massive green-themed campaign. The core of the campaign is the implementation of the "22 Environmental Protection Principles" stipulated by the Volkswagen Group.

According to Gunter Damme, head of the environmental protection department of Volkswagen's headquarters in Germany, the "22 Environmental Protection Principles" will be implemented by Volkswagen's operations all over the world.

The principles have two categories, the first relating to infrastructure and the second to the production process. The former category covers cooperation with business partners, minimum use of land, prohibition of the use of hazardous substances, noise control, and protection of soil and underground water, energy conservation and waste treatment. The latter focuses on environmental protection relating to auto production, ranging from pressing, to welding, coating and assembly.

While providing customers with first-class products and service, Volkswagen is devoted to minimizing the industry's impact on the environment.

Targeting sustained development, environmental protection has always been an important part of Volkswagen's development strategy.

Volkswagen Group China has for a long time implemented the strictest environmental standards in the Volkswagen Group.

Overall green solutions

Through close cooperation with suppliers and dealers, Volkswagen Group China has formed a complete set of "overall green solutions", covering all the processes from raw material purchase, spare parts testing, manufacturing, sales and after-sales service.

Volkswagen's enterprises in China all received the ISO14001 environmental management system certification by the end of 2007.

In addition to the "22 Environmental Protection Principles", Volkswagen Group China has also proposed its own initiatives for environmental protection.

These initiatives include the establishment of the Volkswagen Group China Central Laboratory for raw materials and spare parts testing, capability-building programs for suppliers, and green accreditation for dealers.

Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Brand, said Volkswagen has been making great efforts to introduce the most advanced technologies to China, in order to provide the Olympics with the most environmentally friendly products. This includes cooperating with Shanghai-based Tongji University in a series of environmental protection and energy-saving programs, including research of solar energy and mixed fuel vehicles, fuel-cell vehicles and diesel-power vehicles.

"As an important partner of the Chinese auto industry, Volkswagen deems that it is its responsibility to build a sustainable and environmentally friendly auto industry. We hope our endeavors in green production will set an example for other automakers and eventually promote environmental protection in the whole industry," Dr. Hackenberg said.