Volkswagen Group sustainability report highlights climate protection targets

At its Annual General Meeting held on 25th April 2013, Volkswagen Group has presented an extensive sustainability report. This report consisting of 168 pages is a lengthy and all encompassing account of the Group’s progress where economic, environmental and social sustainability achieved during 2012 is concerned. VW Group has made colossal investments where efficiency of vehicle, products and technologies are concerned proving once again that the largest automaker in Europe takes its economic and social issues seriously so as to achieve sustainable mobility.

The report showcases the various efforts of VW Group to reduce energy and water consumption per vehicle produced. Despite 10% reductions over the past two years, the company is keen to see further reduction. CO2 emissions on the Group’s European fleet are reduced from 144 g to 134g per km between 2010 to 2012 and as on date they offer 245 models with CO2 emissions at less than 120 g/km. VW has also recorded satisfactory overall performance during the first quarter of 2013. Despite challenging market conditions, the company achieved sales revenues during the period January to March 2013 to the tune of € 46.6 billion. Operating profits amounted to €2.3 billion in the same period while profit before tax stood at €2.7 billion. Future model year vehicles are being tuned to be more fuel efficient taht current models.
At the 34th International Vienna Motor Symposium, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn discussed the 10-speed dual clutch gearbox and high-performance diesel engine that delivers 100 kW per litre of displacement, Plug-in hybrid, electric, natural gas vehicles,and future drive system technologies. Efforts are concerted towards bringing the European new car fleet’s CO2 emission level to 95 g of CO2/km by 2020.
Winterkorn said, “Since the year 2000, we’ve reduced the fuel consumption of our TDI and TSI engines by more than 30 per cent. I’m convinced that by 2020 we can achieve further increases in efficiency of around 15 per cent.” He added, “The gas engine is environmentally friendly, economical and suitable for everyday use. The technology is fully developed and the vehicles are already on the market.” “We need to make the public even more aware of the benefits of natural gas engines. Everyone needs to play their part in this: carmakers, politicians and the fuel industry.” “Over the coming years we will electrify all vehicle classes in this way and help electrically powered motoring to make the breakthrough.”