VW to offer hybrid version on all future new models

[Concept1]

Yahoo Financial News
Sunday September 23, 05:51 PM
VW to offer hybrid version on all future new models

FRANKFURT (Thomson Financial) - Volkswagen AG (Xetra: 766400 - news) is planning to offer versions of all its upcoming new models with full and partial hybrid engines, Ulrich Hackenberg, head of product development at the automaker told Automobilewoche magazine.

In doing so, VW will become the second automaker after DaimlerChrysler (Xetra: 710000 - news) 's Mercedes-Benz to place particular importance on more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly cars, the magazine said.

Hackenberg said VW's rear-engine compact car, set for a 2011 launch, could offer both a full and partial hybrid option. The automaker highlighted the car at the IAA auto fair in Frankfurt. It is also considering a pure electric motor for its car running under the name New Small Family.

Volkswagen also plans to beef up its offerings of fuel-efficient and cleaning-running models, which are grouped under the trade name BlueMotion.

In addition to a BlueMotion version of the Tiguan model, there is also a good chance for a BlueMotion version of its Eos model cabriolet, according to Hackenberg.

Hackenberg said that technology which is currently only available for BlueMotion vehicles will be implemented into the entire VW fleet to reduce overall fuel consumption.

[sassytexxan]

I can just IMAGINE how expensive those are going to be! But I'm glad they are going to offer that, since I have wondered about that. Paying almost $3 a gallon for gas and only getting 20-25 mpg is not fun when you're trying to be a "frugal" part-time college student.