The Future of Diesel Engines

The press conference at the spacious booth, designed with white and blue as its primary colors, was packed with reporters. Naturally, the general media expected answers about the truth behind the diesel emissions tests in the US. "We apologize for the trouble we have caused," said Sven Stein, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group Japan, bowing deeply before the attendees.

Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand, then took the stage and reiterated, "We sincerely apologize for the great inconvenience." Indeed, deceiving public institutions and falsifying nitrogen oxide emissions is inexcusable by any standard. In the US, it is natural that some users who discovered their vehicles emitted more nitrogen oxides than they believed would desire a recall.

Volkswagen Tiguan GTE

Volkswagen Tiguan

In Japan, perhaps due to the impact of the US recall, the introduction of diesel models has been postponed. Although it is an issue abroad, the decision appears to have been made considering the psychological impact on users influenced by newspaper and television reports. "The introduction will proceed as planned, but the timing will be reconsidered," stated President Stein. This affects models like the new Passat and the upcoming new Tiguan, which were slated for Japanese market launch soon, but their arrival will be delayed.

Quiet with abundant torque,—knowing how well-made Volkswagen's diesel engines are, the postponement of their introduction is disappointing. It would be a shame to reject even the "clean" diesels that comply with Euro 6 regulations, equipped with SCR catalysts that neutralize nitrogen oxides by injecting ammonia (urea), due to an allergic reaction.

However, Volkswagen does not neglect environmental performance.

Advancing Electrification

The strategy for Volkswagen Group Japan appears to align with that of its German headquarters. In front of a panel displaying "innovate," electric vehicles such as the "e-up!" and "e-Golf" were showcased. While their introduction was earlier than other manufacturers, the Golf, in particular, has seen strong sales in Europe due to a significant number of forward-thinking customers.

Alongside electric vehicles, or perhaps even more prominently, plug-in hybrids will form the core of their lineup. Volkswagen Group Japan displayed the "Golf GTE," "Passat GTE," and the "Tiguan GTE," scheduled for introduction in 2016.

As the "GTE" sub-name suggests, these models are plug-in hybrids characterized by their focus on driving performance. The "Golf GTE," already available in the Japanese market, is priced at 4.99 million yen. However, with subsidies such as the approximately 380,000 yen "Clean Energy Vehicle Introduction Promotion Subsidy," the purchase price, along with taxes, will likely decrease from this figure.

Volkswagen Passat GTE

Volkswagen Passat GTE

The "Tiguan GTE," unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, was revealed at this show. Although its release may be some time away, it shares a platform with the Golf, leading to expectations of excellent handling.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that this environmentally friendly vehicle utilizes solar power as a new technology to improve fuel efficiency. Solar panels are integrated into the roof. In regions with strong sunlight like Southern Europe and Japan, charging efficiency improves, reportedly covering the equivalent of 1,000 kilometers of charging annually.

Although not sold in Japan, the development of a new generation of the flagship Volkswagen model, the "Phaeton," was recently announced to be temporarily halted. Under the new development plan, the next Phaeton will be an electric vehicle. Volkswagen's future strategy can be glimpsed at the Tokyo Motor Show booth.