Volkswagen Thinking in All Electric Terms by 2013

Last time Volkswagen updated their sustainability plans, their plan was to build a hybrid Golf and Passat after starting with a Jetta in 2012. All three models are exciting options for those interested in hybrid technology.

But it seems that VW is now upping their game. In their latest sustainable driving plan, VW is expanding on the possibilities. VW will be selling an electric Golf and Jetta soon after the electric Up! comes in 2013.

According to Car and Driver, Volkswagen will have a fleet of 500 electric Golfs for testing.

Hybrid Car Brands

Just who is making hybrid cars these days and what brands are considering making hybrid cars in the future?

Major Hybrid Car Brands
Hybrid cars are currently being built and sold by General Motors, Ford, Honda, Toyota and Nissan. General Motors builds hybrid cars under several divisions including Saturn, Chevrolet, and GMC.  Ford has the Mercury and Ford divisions.  Toyota sells hybrids under the brand name of Lexus .  While Honda and Nissan just sell hybrids under their own name plates.

Toyota
Under the Toyota brand name, there are three models currently on sale. The iconic Prius is almost synonymous with hybrid and is the first car most people think of when they think of hybrids. Toyota also sells the Camry Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid under the moniker of Toyota.

Toyota also has their luxury division, the Lexus hybrids. Under the Lexus brand name, Toyota sells the HS, LS, RX, and GS Hybrids. They keep adding models under the Lexus nameplate, so expect and IS hybrid to arrive soon. The HS hybrid is a dedicated model like the Prius. The others are subtypes under the model. In other words, you can buy gas-only models, or you can opt for the hybrid engine.

Honda
Honda sells the Civic Hybrid under their brand name. They also currently sell the only other dedicated hybrid on the road, the Insight. They used to sell a Hybrid Accord, and the two-seater hybrid Insight, but have retired both models.

Expect to see Acura Hybrids in the future.

Nissan
Nissan has only one hybrid model for sale, the Nissan Altima Hybrid. It is built using hybrid technology from Toyota and is sold in only eight US states. Nissan has plans to bring an Infiniti M35 Hybrid to market in the coming year.

General Motors (Cadillac, Chevy, Saturn, GMC)
They build several models (currently) using the Chevrolet brand. There is the Chevy Malibu and Chevy Silverado. The Chevy Volt, the Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV), will be out soon and while GM considers the Volt to be a subtype of electric vehicle, it still falls under the hybrid type.

GM also builds the GMC Yukon and Sierra. And the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid also falls under the GM brand.

The Saturn brand was at one point, the cornerstone for hybrids under the GM umbrella. But Saturn is no more. You can still see the hybrid Vue and Aura on the road today.

Ford
Ford sells four different models under two different brand names. The Mercury Division sells the Milan and Mariner Hybrid. While Ford retains the Fusion and Escape Hybrid. The Lincoln division will have its own hybrid soon, but it's not here yet. The Mercury hybrids are the upgraded version of the Ford Hybrids, so expect them to be very similar if you take a look at both of them.

Chrysler
Chrysler sold the Aspen and Durango Hybrids for a total of two months before pulling the plug on both models. The Dodge Durango is very similar to the Chrysler Aspen, and both were built using the dual hybrid technology developed in partnership with BMW and GM.

Chrysler at one point had plans to bring a Dodge Ram Hybrid to market, but that seems to be on hold.

Hyundai
Hyundai is jumping in with both feet in the next year, with the Sonata Hybrid. Distinguishing itself from the other hybrids listed above, it's going to be one of the first hybrids to use lithium polymer battery packs, giving it an advantage over some of the more established hybrid models and brands listed above.

Mazda
Mazda has sold the Tribute hybrid in very limited numbers.  The Tribute was built using Ford Hybrid technology, when Mazda and Ford were a lot tighter than they are today.  Now Mazda is looking to partner with Toyota for the technology used in the Prius for their future hybrid model in 2013.

Fisker and Tesla
Fisker and Tesla are both bringing hybrid cars to market (they probably don't appreciate being lumped together given the lawsuits over the past few years). These startups are working hard to go straight to electric or hybrid and are emphasizing performance, rather than fuel efficiency right from the get go.

Audi, Subaru, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Daimler, Ferrari, Lotus, Kia, Maserati, Porsche, Suzuki, Volkswagen and Volvo
Each of the brands mentioned above are attempting their own hybrid models, and several have brought some noteworthy test models to auto shows. Several are on their way to bringing those cars to market right now, but are still a few years away from seeing them on the road in more than just 'test fleets'. Some are closer than others, while some probably have no intention of ever going hybrid unless they are forced to do so by the tighter restrictions being enforced in Europe, Asia and the US in the coming years.

Looking for more information on one of the brands above?
Either search for the brand name here on this site or use the categories below or on the sidebars.  Each of the major brands listed will have more information that I've accumulated over the years.

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid by 2012

Volkswagen laid out their electric plan for the next few years. As the Touareg Hybrid demonstrates, Volkswagen has plans to expand their hybrid and electric car lineup. By 2013, VW hopes the Golf and Jetta models will 'dominate the hybrid and electric vehicle market.'

The Jetta Hybrid will debut in August 2012, the Passat Hybrid in August 2013 and two months later the Golf Hybrid.

Prof. Dr. Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG explains in a statement: "Volkswagen will be taking E-mobility to mass production. In 2011, we are expanding our test fleet by adding 500 Golfs with electric drive. A hybrid version of the Jetta for the US market follows in 2012. Starting in 2013, the E-UP goes into production. The goal is to become the market leader in E-mobility by the year 2018. We want to attain an electric vehicle market share of three percent within our entire range of products."

He goes on to say: "We will take the hybrid out of its niche status with our high-volume models. In the future, the heart of the brand will also beat with electricity."

Over the next few months, VW will be conducting field studies in 'key strategic markets of Europe, North America and China.'

The E-UP will launch in 2013, the E-Golf will be introduced after. This will be followed by the launch of the E-Jetta.

There doesn't seem to be anything in the middle ground, i.e. a plug-in hybrid laid out here.

Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid Price

Volkswagen Touareg

The Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid has been priced at 73,700 euros, or about 20,000 eruros higher than the base V6 diesel. That's over 35% increase in the retail.

The Touareg is expected to be priced in the $100K range in the US.

The luxury hybrid SUV mates a 3.0-liter V6, eight-speed gas engine with an electric motor and is rated at about 29 mpg (8.2 L/100km), a bit of an improvement over the TDI (7.4 L/100km). A full hybrid engine, the VW hybrid can get up to 30 mph on electric power alone, and comes with regenerative braking. The base vehicles lost 460 pounds somewhere along the way, too.

The luxury consists of everything you might want from a high end vehicle and includes lane departure assist (keeps track of inattentive drivers) and interactive cruise control (will hit the brakes if it senses you are getting too close to the vehicle in front of you).

VW had been looking at a Jetta hybrid, but figured the cost of a hybrid system would be easier to recoup in the Touareg. At this price, I can see why.

Volkswagen Compact Coupe Hybrid

Volkswagen brought the Compact Coupe Hybrid to the Detroit Auto Show. Volkswagen is projecting the coupe, which would compete against the likes of the Fusion, Altima and Civic Hybrid in the US, would get 45 mpg (4.2 l/200 km) and a low CO2 emissions of 98 g/km. It can also go from 0-60 in 8.1 seconds.

The hybrid engine is made up of a TSI engine (110 kw/ 150 PS) mated to an electric motor (20 kW/ 27 PS) and a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox.

In the end, the New Compact Coupe (NCC) is a prototype for what VW says " envisions a front-wheel drive hybrid for the compact class that would be implemented when the time is right."

Other details from the press release below:

Hybrid Drive - TSI and E-Motor plus DSG

Downsizing at its best: The concept car is driven by an extremely innovative high-tech alliance that closely approximates potential production versions. Volkswagen is using a four-cylinder version of the TSI gasoline engine range here. Direct injection, turbocharging and intercooler generate a power of 110 kW / 150 PS from just 1.4 liter of engine displacement - downsizing at its best. TSI technology has impressively demonstrated its extreme durability in many car racing events; including on the legendary Nordschleife of the German Nürburgring - the most demanding race course in the world. Since the first TSI engine was introduced just over five years ago, 3,5 million units of these boosted and torque-strong four and six cylinder engines have already been installed in vehicles. The TSI of the NCC - which of course is also equipped with ESP - transfers a hefty 220 Newton-meter (177 ft-lb) of torque to the front wheels at low engine speeds.

Emissions-free by E-motor: And there is even more power: An electric motor is integrated between the TSI and the efficient 7-speed automatic (DSG = Direct Shift Gearbox); it can be used for pure electric emissions-free driving, or it can support the TSI with aggressive torque. The electric motor develops a power of 20 kW / 27 PS. The power and torque of the two drive units supplement one another during what is known as boosting - when accelerating to pass, for example. Since the NCC can also be driven in a pure electric mode, the drive system is classified as a Full Hybrid. A lithium-ion battery (1.1 kWh) at the rear of the vehicle supplies the electric motor with energy. By the way, in electric mode the TSI is not only shut off; it is also disengaged by a clutch to avoid drag losses.

Frequently coasting: As soon as the driver releases the gas pedal, the TSI is disengaged from the transmission. This so-called "coast-down" is even possible at higher speeds, as in freeway driving. Since drag losses are eliminated here too, the NCC coasts for a very long time. And this promotes an anticipatory style of driving that leads directly to reduced fuel consumption.

Recovering kinetic energy: In braking, the electric motor - now operating as a generator - recovers kinetic energy which is then stored in the lithium-ion battery. Of course, just like the new BlueMotion models from Volkswagen, the New Compact Coupe also has a Stop-Start system on board. This reduces fuel consumption, especially in urban areas and in stop-and-go traffic.

Exterior - Design and Dimensions

The unique interplay of efficiency and dynamics is reflected 1:1 in the styling of the coupe that is painted in "Tungsten Silver Metallic". Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for the Volkswagen Brand, comments: "Styling of a coupe is considered the ultimate in automotive design. Our team has achieved a symbiosis of efficient technologies and elegance in the New Compact Coupe that is unique in its expression. Just a few precisely placed lines and powerfully sculpted surfaces have created a timeless dynamic and purist elegance that is typical of Volkswagen."

Front end - Showing a strong face: The front of the New Compact Coupe shows an extremely confident and focused expression. Moreover, the car's width is emphasized by the horizontal line styling with integrated Bi-Xenon headlights - including LED daytime running and turn signal lights. The technically complex headlights contribute to unmistakable visual recognition of the concept car - both day and night.

Side view - A sharp profile: In the car's side profile, styling properties characteristic of all new Volkswagens of the past year have been merged with elegant and yet sporty coupe features, resulting in a new interpretation of the design DNA. The best examples of this are the characteristic tornado line and the powerfully emphasized curves of the wheel arches. They intersect the main volume of the large, homogeneous surfaces, conveying a powerful dynamic. The image of the side windows rounds out this impression with a concise signature. Forging a stylistic bridge to current models are the 19-inch "Lugano" type alloy wheels.

Rear - A strong concluding statement: The cargo area of the New Compact Coupe is decidedly powerful in design. Clean surfaces and a muscular shoulder section dominate the image here too. Bright: the LED taillights. A spoiler lip that reduces air turbulence was styled into the top of the trunk lid; it further improves the car's remarkable aerodynamics. At the bottom there is a stylized diffuser; the tailpipe of the exhaust system is embedded here for a positive aerodynamic effect.

Dimensions - Millimeters at work for styling: The New Compact Coupe is 4.54 meters (178.5 inches) long and 1.78 meters (70.1 inches) wide. Its low body height of 1.41 meter (55.6 inches) adds styling energy to the interplay of its dimensions; the ratio of broad width to low body height intensifies the Volkswagen's dynamic image. Also large are the track widths (front 1.53 meter / 61.2 inches; rear 1.54 meter / 61.4 inches) and wheelbase (2.65 meters / 104.4 inches).

Interior - Ergonomics and Comfort

Showing its true colors: The NCC is a four-seater with exceptional long touring comfort and generous occupant space on sport seats that are upholstered in a light-colored ("Berry White") leather. Also designed in this color are the lower cockpit area, parts of the center console and the door trim panels. By contrast, all other surfaces (except accents and controls), including the leather-trimmed steering wheel, are styled in the darker "Grigio Quartz" color.

In its interior, the Volkswagen offers the best feeling of spaciousness in its class. This means that despite the sporty low body height, the car offers ample head room (front and rear) as well as leg room in the rear. The coupe's 380 liter trunk can handle luggage for four persons without any problem.

Climb in, buckle up, drive away: As soon as the doors of the concept car are opened, a reason for the Volkswagen brand's tremendous success is revealed: unparalleled perfection in details and intuitive operation. The instruments are laid out ideally. The new multifunction sport steering wheel is the key interface between human and machine. The right hand rests naturally on the gearshift lever of the 7-speed DSG‚ and in front of it the control panel sports newly designed controls for the automatic climate control system (Climatronic), the 8-inch touchscreen for the radio-navigation system - also a new design - and at the top of the panel the hazard flasher switch and center air vents. The center console's control panel is angled slightly toward the driver to perfectly align the cockpit to the driver's needs. Also optimally laid out for viewing are the round instruments with their chrome bezels; the multifunction display (trip computer and additional navigation display) is placed between them.

Upgraded with metal surrounds are all air vents, multifunction keys on the steering wheel, radio-navigation system, climate control, DSG gearshift unit, white accents of the door trim and instruments and switch panels (window lift and mirror adjustment) in the doors.

Individual seats in the rear: 
Designers have shaped the rear seating area in the style of large Gran Turismo cars. Passengers sit on two comfortable sport seats here. Between them is the continuation of the center console that passes through the entire interior. In the rear, the center console is equipped with additional storage space as well as climate controls and a fold-out center armrest. The finish and quality of materials in the interior make viewers forget completely that the New Compact Coupe is still a concept car. And that too is typical Volkswagen - no compromises.

Volkswagen Toureg Hybrid to Show in 2010

The Volkswagen Touareg will launch in the US next year, with the debut occuring at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January (Source: Volkswagen considers bringing an electric vehicle to the United States: AutoWeek Magazine).

Which is exciting news for anyone who wants a hybrid Volkswagen. Autoweek also quotes officials promising an electric version of the E-Up!, introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show, will be appearing in Europe sometime in 2013. The US version will be larger and appear later.

The E-Up! has a range of about 70-80 miles on all electric power.

Volkswagen had thought to bring a hybrid Jetta, but figures a hybrid Touareg will be easier to recoup their cost.

Volkswage Shifts to Hybrid Touareg

Volkswagen has shifted its plans to release a Hybrid Touareg, not a hybrid Jetta in 2010 as model year 2011.  VW believes the extra cost of a hybrid powertrain can be made up more easily than the Jetta could.  If the hybrid system costs $2500 more to install, the percentage increase to the pricetag of a Touareg would be much lower than that of the Jetta.

 The Hybrid Touareg will have a V6 mated to a TSI petrol engine and a new eight-speed automatic transmission.  The full hybrid capability will allow the SUV to travel up to 30 mph on all electric power.  Fuel economy is supposed to increase to 26 mpg, while power is still up at 333 hp.  And if reports are correct, it will be capable of towing 3.5 metric tons (7,500 lbs).

But then, we've seen these sorts of plans come and go out of VW before.  There was going to be a hybrid Cayenne, a hybrid Jetta, hybrid Golf, and a hybrid Touareg.  It's unclear which, if any, will actually make it to production and begin sales in the US.  Although VW has been clear all along on their decision to build their own hybrid system.

VW tends to focus in on diesel engines.  We'll just have to wait and see what they ultimately decide.

2011 Volkswagen Twin Drive Plug-In Hybrid Golf

Volkswagen is looking to make a production vehicle out of the 2011 Golf Twin Drive, a plug-in hybrid version of the Golf (Rabbit). There are 20 test vehicles on the road in Germany right now.



The hybrid engine is a 1.4L turbo direct injection four cylinder diesel engine mated to an electric motor, but the production vehicle will most likely have one less cylinder and be a gasoline engine.

The electric motor is powered by a Lithium-ion battery pack from Sanyo. The battery pack, located in the trunk, weighs 350 lbs. The battery pack is recharged through regenerative brakes and by plugging in. It has a full charge of 12 kWh, but is limited to 8 kWh. Since it's located in the trunk space, there's no spare tire.

Although the engineers at Volkswagen call the Twin Drive plug-in a range extended electric vehicle, it's unlike the Chevy Volt. The car will run on electric power up to 30 miles and up to 30 mph. And when traveling in reverse, the car is electric only. But at higher speeds, the gas engine kicks in. The gas motor has the equivalent of a single gear set to the top gear in a gas-only vehicle.

And so, the gas engine is 'clutched' to the wheels, which the Volt is not. In the Volt, the two motors are set in series, with only the electric motor capable of moving the vehicle. The gas engine is used to recharge the battery pack when it becomes sufficiently depleted. But you can turn the gas motor off at the touch of a button.

At higher speeds and during acceleration boosts, the electric motor will assist the gas engine.

This is the fun part. The system controller, which decides what mode the car should be powered at (electric or gas or both) is linked into the NAV system. And the decision making is smart. Since plugging in is the most efficient (cheapest) way of recharging the battery pack, it will try to ensure the battery is fully depleted when you reach your destination.

Source: 2011 VW Golf TwinDrive - Volkswagen's Chevy Volt Fighter Goes 30 Miles on Battery Power - Auto News - Motor Trend

VW Jetta TDI Qualifies for Federal Tax Credit

When the Jetta TDI complied with the 50-state diesel standard, it also set itself up to qualify for a federal tax credit. And the EPA has come through, announcing those who buy the Jetta TDI may qualify for the $1,300 federal income tax credit.

Both the TDI sedan and SportWagen have qualified.

The tax credit for qualify diesels comes from the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit.

"The $1,300 tax credit provides an even greater value to the upcoming Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen," said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "Our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers the fuel efficiency that they're looking for while providing power, utility, performance, safety and excellent value."

Although the TDI qualifed for a 28 mpg city and 40 mpg highway rating at the EPA, VW wasn't satisfied with those numbers. They hired a third party to test their car and came up with a 38 city / 44 highway in 'real world' driving conditions.

Either way, those numbers are pretty good.

VW Creates a Plug-In Hybrid Car for German Government

VW is looking to produce a plug-in hybrid by 2010 and is being supported in its effort by the German government. The new motor developed by Volkswagen has been called 'twin drive' and will debut in a special Golf model with 122 hp diesel engine mated to a 82 hp electric motor.



"While the e-motor on a typical hybrid model just supplements the combustion engine, the exact opposite is true on Twin Drive," Winterkorn said during the car's unveiling in Berlin. "Here the diesel or gasoline engine supplements the e-motor."



In other words, it will be like the Chevy Volt, where the gas engine is designed to extend the range of an electric vehicle. Powered by lithium-ion batteries, the Golf plug-in will have an all electric range of 30 miles. Over a 62 mile route, VW believes the Twin Drive Golf can deliver 90 mpg. It will have start-stop capability along with regenerative braking.



A test fleet of 20 vehicles will be on the road in 2010.



The German government sees a future filled with hybrids. Germany's environmental minister believes there will be 1 million hybrids in Germany by 2020 and 10 million by 2030. The Interior Ministry is laying out $23.5 million (15 million euros) in a program to help VW and other automakers to develop plug-in hybrids in the next four years. The trick is to use renewable energy sources when you plug in the car, i.e. wind or solar power.



The new program will also test Vehicle to Grid technology (V2G).



Partners in the new alliance include "Volkswagen, E.ON, (energy provider) and LTC/GAIA and Evonik/Li-Tec (lithium-ion battery providers) as principal partners. Also contributing from the research side are Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, Heidelberg Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (Ifeu), the German Center for Aerospace Technology (DLR), and the Westphalian Wilhelms University at Münster."



Other Sources: Wired, AFP, and InsideLine.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI... Diesel Cars are About to Return to the US

Volkswagen has set the pricetag for their soon to be Jetta TDI and SportsWagen at $21,990 and $23,590, respectively. The new vehicle models will be compliant to the strictest emissions standards in all 50 states, so no worries for those of you who have been awaiting diesels return. The TDI's will be back in August.

The EPA rated the Jetta TDI at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. But Volkswagen wasn't happy with that and so they went and hired AMCI, a third party certifier, who rated the Jetta TDI at 38 mpg city and 44 mpg highway in 'real world' conditions.

Either way, these reflect gallons in diesel, not gasoline and that should be considered. Even though diesel gives you a better return, the price per gallon is still higher than gas.

The Jetta TDI also comes standard with their Prevent and Preserve Safety System which includes six airbags, optional rear side airbags and standard electronic stablization program.

Volkswagen also want you to note their carefree maintenance program, which charges nothing for scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Start-Stop Comes to Next Generation VW Golf

VW will introduce start-stop technology to the next generation Golf (known as the Rabbit in the US). The sixth generation Golf, available in late 2008 or early 2009 will come with the ability to stop it's engine when the car comes to a stop.

VW labels its most fuel efficient models as BlueMotion. The BlueMotion Golf model will come standard with start-stop and will come with a smaller, more efficient gas engine. The technology will be available as an option in other models.

VW is looking to add stop-start to other models, as well.

Source: New Golf will get stop-start - Automotive News Europe

Volkswagen and Sanyo to Produce Lithium-Ion Batteries

Volkswagen paired up with Sanyo Electric Co. in a joint venture to produce lithium-ion batteries through 2015.

Sanyo will spend $767 million on the production of the new batteries. Cost include a new factory. They hope to have mass production begin in 2009. As of right now, the location for the factory is undecided.

Volkswaqen will produce a new hybrid vehicle, an Audi AG, by 2010 which will utilize the new battery type.

Sanyo estimates a worldwide demand for lithium-ion batteries of 4 to 4.5 million units in 2015. Sanyo hopes to capture 40 percent of that market. The new factory will allow Sanyo to produce lithium-ion batteries for 1.7 to 1.8 million hybrid cars a year with a production value of 10 million cells a month.

Volkswagen Golf May Get 69 mpg

Word is out that Volkswagen will be presenting a hybrid version of the Golf at the Geneva Auto Show. ABG is reporting the Diesel Hybrid TDI Golf will get 69 mpg, while autoexpress is reporting an astonishing 83 mpg (89 g/km of CO2).

The compact diesel hybrid is expected to have a 2.0-litre diesel engine combined with an electric motor. The electric motor may be able to power the vehicle at low speeds (earlier reports on the Hybrid Golf said it would be a mild hybrid).

The VW Golf Hybrid will likely get the 7-speed DSG double-clutch transmission, a start-stop system, regenerative braking, and aero-dynamic molding. But at this point, the details are not in.

And although the new compact diesel hybrid may be very exciting, don't expect it to be in the US anytime soon. Earlier reports said it may be five years before it makes its way across the Atlantic.

Volkswagen May Plug-In Their Up

Even as Volkswagen makes plans to go all hybrid, they are also at work on the next generation of hybrid, the plug-in hybrid.

VW introduced the concept of the Up! rear engined subcompact hatchback vehicle. At 135.8 inches long and 64.2 inches wide, this is a very small car but can still seat four (well... cram in four). But VW wants to introduce a couple of variations on their concept model: a small minivan and a plug-in sedan.

The plug-in would be expected to get 100 mpg and is expected to be introduced in L.A.

Sources: DailyTech and Autoblog

Volkswagen Wants All Their Cars to be Hybrids

According to Ulrich Hackenberg, head of product development at VW, Volkswage wants to offer hybrid version on all new models. They hybrid vehicles could be full or mild versions.

Hackenberg was quoted in the Automobilewoche magazine (via Forbes). Hackenberg also indicated VW was considering an electric motor for the New Small Family car, while the new rear-engine compact car due out in 2011 could offer both a mild and a full hybrid option.

VW also wants to implement their BlueMotion technology across the board to increase their fuel efficiency.

VW to Go Completely Hybrid?

There's a story on MonstersandCritics, which is quoting Germany's Auto Bild newspaper, claiming VW wants to offer a hybrid version for every model in as little as two years. Considering they don't have any hybrids today, that would be a tall order.

According to this article, VW is considering both mild and full hybrids. In past reports, VW was promising a small hybrid (Golf and/or Jetta) which would be a mild hybrid. A full hybrid version of the Tourag was scheduled for 2010.

Hybrid Golf VI?

In an earlier story, Martin Winterkorn said: "There will definitely be compact hybrid models, such as Polo and Golf, and without any great delay."

Now there's a new report on the Golf Hybrid according to eGMCarTech. They are quoting from Auto-motor-und-sport, which noted the Golf VI was set to arrive in 2008. The hybrid variant will be available after. There's nothing to indicate how long 'after' means.

The Golf VI comes with flat chrome inserts, a more aggressive grill and a slightly modified rear. The first hybrids from Volkswagen are expected to be a mild hybrids, incapable of running on battery power alone.

Bentley Hybrid

According to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Bentley is considering putting in hybrid or diesel engines as early as next year (found via GermanCarBlog). While I couldn't begin to translate the article, autobloggreen has.

According to them Bentley (which is connected to Volkswagen) is looking to transform their image by installing diesel and hybrid engine into next year's models. Profitability comes first, however.

Perhaps they are just responding to other luxury car makers recent announcements on providing hybrids in the coming years.

Autoblog would prefer they just make diesel engines, but I'd say that's only going to help part of their image. Wouldn't hybrid engines help Bentley when it comes to future guidelines regarding emissions? Also, if they are looking to expand into the US, hybrids are currently more popular than diesels.

As a side note (again from the translation from autobloggreen), Bentley sold about 9,300 vehicles last year. Their sales goal is to sell between 9 and 10,000 vehicles a year.

Volkswagen will build compact hybrids

Recent news stories claimed Volkswagen was turning away from building compact hybrid cars. Instead, they would focus on a hybrid Touareg. But Martin Winterkorn has rejected those news stories, claiming

"There will definitely be compact hybrid models, such as Polo and Golf, and without any great delay," he told Inside Line sources over the weekend.

So, there will be a hybrid Golf and Jetta coming sometime in the future from Volkswagen. But the first versions will be mild, with electric motors capable of assisting the gas engine, but not capable of powering the car by itself.

There will also be a full hybrid Touareg in 2010(?).