Focus on the Hydrogen Golf

Dominating Volkswagen's main stage was the flagship model of the "Golf", the "Golf R400", and the "Golf Variant", which incorporated components from the "Golf R" into the "Golf Sportwagon HyMotion," which also features a fuel cell. These were the three models presented.

However, the Golf R400 was already announced at the Beijing Motor Show. While the Golf R Sportwagon is a world premiere, it could be considered merely a different body style for the Golf R. In that sense, the Golf Sportwagon HyMotion was arguably the most significant highlight.



OPENERS has previously published an interview withDr. Wolfgang Steiger, who is in charge of public relations for future technology at Volkswagenwhere we quoted the German government's statement: "We will not tolerate a single euro being wasted on building a hydrogen supply network." However, upon confirming with several Volkswagen representatives, we received the response that this nuance is not entirely accurate.



This is because there are already about 15 hydrogen stations in Germany, and plans are underway to increase this to around 50 within the next few years.

Germany's Situation Differs from Japan's

Nevertheless, this is still only in the planning stages compared to Japan's concrete plan, spearheaded by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, to build 100 hydrogen stations nationwide by 2015.



Unlike Japan, where building hydrogen stations between Tokyo and the Keihanshin region would cover a substantial portion of actual demand, Germany's urban functions are dispersed across various locations. Volkswagen Group's stance is that with only about 50 stations, the widespread adoption of fuel cell vehicles cannot be expected.



Furthermore, the emergence of the Golf R Sportwagon can be attributed to the creation of a new flagship model, the Golf R400. In this sense, it's possible that the appealing powertrain of the Golf R may continue to expand its presence in the future.