Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Volkswagen's Diesel Models Lead Class, Overall for Fuel Economy

Text from Volkswagen of America.
EPA, Department of Energy recognize New Beetle, Golf and Jetta as fuel economy leaders

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Diesel versions of the New Beetle and Golf are the highest fuel economy models in their respective vehicle classes, according to the 2006 Fuel Economy Guide, recently released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Additionally, the Volkswagen New Beetle, Golf and Jetta hold four of the top ten positions for best fuel economy, according to the EPA.

In the 2006 Fuel Economy Guide, the diesel New Beetle leads the subcompact car class for both manual and automatic transmission, with 37/44 (city/highway) mpg for the manual and 35/42 mpg for the automatic. The diesel Golf leads the compact car class for manual transmission, with 37/44 mpg.

The EPA also released released data about the overall top ten fuel economy leaders. The three Volkswagen models ranked third, fourth, sixth and seventh in the overall top ten. In third are the New Beetle (diesel, manual) and Golf (diesel, manual), both with 37/44 mpg. The Jetta (diesel, manual) ranks fourth with 36/41 mpg. Ranked sixth are the New Beetle (diesel, automatic) and Jetta (diesel, automatic) with 35/42 mpg. The Golf (diesel, automatic) is sixth with 33/44 mpg.

Volkswagen is the leading manufacturer of diesel vehicles in the United States. Approximately twelve percent of Volkswagen’s U.S. sales are diesel versions. Diesel engines typically get thirty thirty-five percent miles per gallon than conventional engines. New advancements in diesel technology have improved the performance of diesel engines, while making them cleaner and quieter.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen of America and its affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people in the United States and are responsible for the sale and service of Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen products through retail networks comprising in total more than 900 independent U.S. dealers.