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Volkswagen symposium unveils diesel strategies.
by Hakan Falk, "Energy Saving Now", Dec. 2003
One week after the Tokyo Motor Show, with all the hybrids and fuel cell cars. In a diesel symposium, Volkswagen AG spelled it out with clarity. They have the alternative to the "fuel cell and hydrogen economy".
Volkswagen's diesel technology, is now the world leader in diesel engine production, with three-, four-, five-, six- and 10-cylinder engines accounting for nearly half of the VW sales in Europe. All of the VW engines are biodiesel certified in Europe, even if the US policy does not recognize this fact. VW is also at the moment, the only automotive company that is selling diesel powered passenger cars in the US.
"I doubt anyone in this room will ever see fuel cells replace the internal-combustion engine," said Volkswagen chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder. He continued, "I am absolutely convinced there will be a breakthrough of diesel sales in the U.S., Absolutely convinced." and "The big questions remain: Where do you get the hydrogen? Is it better to burn the hydrogen in the engine, or use it to produce electricity for electric motors? Big questions."
Pischetsrieder's confidence stems from his belief that logic will eventually win out with U.S. customers. Diesel engines are more efficient than gasoline engines-you can go farther on a gallon of fuel-and diesel provides more engine torque, giving drivers the feeling of power even in small-car applications. Plus, the new generation of turbocharged diesel engines are cleaner, less noisy, and more efficient than any diesels of the past.
Hartmut Heinrich, the head of VW's fuel strategy department, projects that diesel powered light trucks, will make up 27 percent of its market by 2010. He adds that hydrogen maybe look like the fuel of the future, but in any case that future is about 30 years off.
"There could be limited use by 2020, but we really see the internal-combustion engine to be the main source of propulsion for the next 30 years," Heinrich said. "The use of hydrogen as a fuel source will only be feasible after all barriers, technical and economical, have been overcome." It was a refreshing honesty and was standing out, compared to the overwhelming lip service to the hydrogen policies and energy plan of the Bush administration.
VW's Richard Dorenkamp, head of diesel after treatment, says diesel use in the United States should increase after 2006 when U.S. emissions laws mandate low-sulfur diesel fuel. Europe has enjoyed the benefits of the low sulfur diesel for years, helping Europeans embrace its use. It has also put Europe in a unique position of preparedness to use alternative fuels like biodiesel.
With the increased efficiency of a diesel and biofuel compatability, earlier explained in "Diesel engine, as a "ready for use" energy saving technology", the foundation and preparedness for handling of future energy crises is built. Not only is VW banking on "ready for use technologies, they also have a very sober attitude to technologies that are decades away.
If you then add to VW's diesel engines, the commitment to excellent fuel economy and the VW Brazil "Flex fuel engine" development for gasoline/ethanol, the picture is clear. VW is today in an unique position on engine development. They not only have something special to offer the US markets, they are also well positioned to compete on the world market, especially in developing economies.
Hakan Falk
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