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Volkswagen confirms diesel car production for U.S. plant

 
6 4,899 views Oct 16, 2008
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BMW has already demonstrated a similar system

BMW has already demonstrated a similar system

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Volkswagen has one of the widest and most interesting engine range in the automotive industry but in the United States its offering consists of a paltry line of four, five and six-cylinder units that are mostly petrol. That is set to change, however, as construction of a plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, will soon see VW manufacturing a new-generation of U.S.-specific clean diesel engines and possibly an advanced diesel-electric hybrid powertrain.

The information comes from the carmaker’s American chief Stefan Jacoby, who confirmed to the Chattanooga Daily that VW will build a diesel version of a brand new mid-sized car in Tennessee. This will allow VW to fully leverage the currency advantage of the new factory and capitalize on increasing demand for more fuel-efficient diesel models.

“We don’t see any conflict between business and the economy and the environment,” Jacoby explained when referring to the new clean-diesel model.

VW is expected to build two different sedan models at the site, a low cost version of the Passat that will compete with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and another based on the Jetta that will compete with the Corolla and Civic sedans.

The Chattanooga plant will start production in early 2011 and will hire around 2,000 people.

While no specific details about the hybrid powertrain were revealed, Jacoby said engineers were perfecting the design and boasted that it would be “at the forefront” of low emissions technology.



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Comments (6)

  1. By bc Posted: 7/18/2008 6:38pm PDT

    Ya. but they dont have a Bernoulli engine... (from speedracer).
     
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  2. By NoNameDenton Posted: 7/18/2008 6:47pm PDT

    They also have 5 cylinder engines in the US, just saying
     
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  3. By www.mywheelsonwalls.com Posted: 7/18/2008 8:20pm PDT

    Diesels are coming!!!! Not to say "told you so."
     
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  4. By Tonto Posted: 7/20/2008 2:35am PDT

    This is great Step forward for VW in North America. Did someone finally wake up to the fact that VW customers here would also like the engine and drive-train options that are available to the rest of the world?

    I can’t describe my disappointment with VW decision to introduce their new Tiguan here in North America, and only offer the 4motion option with the 2.0L Turbo that drinks Premium Unleaded at a fast rate, and only with a power sucking automatic transmission!

    VW customers in Europe and else where have enjoyed the Tiguan for a year now, with Diesel or the twin charged 1.4 liter engine options, and 6 speed manual transmissions with the 4 motion, and heavier duty drive-trains.

    I hope that VW starts offering the same drive-train/Engine options to North American consumers sooner, even before the Mexican factory is up to speed.
     
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  5. ma_kiska avatar kiska Posted: 10/17/2008 10:09am PDT

    That 2.5L five cylinder engine is a fine engine, and I hope they continue to keep it, the twin charger 1.4L engine sucks I have driven it in a euro Golf V when my Rabbit was serviced at a german VW dealer near Heidelberg, for the paultry 160 horsepower, it needs super plus fuel, and a expensive turbo and supercharger, also it only gets a couple miles more per gallon. I would rather spend the money on fuel, than replacing the turbo and blower, when they go out, and it sounds awaful, not as exotic as the inline 5 does.
     
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  6. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 10/17/2008 8:07pm PDT

    First complaint I have heard of the twin charger
     
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