Greentech Lead America: Volkswagen announced partnerships
with Solazyme and Amyris, renewable fuel companies, to evaluate emissions
reductions.
The association will also assist Volkswagen to
demonstrate the performance of TDI Clean Diesel technology when powered by
biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel.
The automobile major will provide both companies with two
products each – the new 2012 Passat TDI and 2012 Jetta TDI- to examine the
effects that the fuels produced by Amyris and Solazyme will have on Volkswagen
clean diesel technology and the environment.
The evaluation period will equip Volkswagen engineers
with data that will aid in the ongoing enhancement of TDI Clean Diesel
technology and help the brand to develop more efficient, cleaner burning diesel
powertrains for future products.
“Partnering with two leaders in advanced biofuel
technology supports Volkswagen’s goal of offering a competitive suite of
technologies that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve fuel efficiency
and fit the diverse needs of our customers,” said Jurgen Leohold, head of
Volkswagen Group Research.
In order to achieve its long-term desire of bringing
CO2-neutral mobility to the market, advanced gasoline and diesel engines – like
TDI Clean Diesel technology – must play a major role; and renewable energies to
power these advanced powertrains are needed on a large scale.
“Think Blue is not just a tagline, but a state of
mind at Volkswagen and is the driving force behind our goal of bringing
sustainable products, technologies and solutions to the market while reducing
our collective environmental impact,” said Tim Mahoney, chief product and
marketing officer, Volkswagen of America.
Volkswagen will measure the environmental impacts from
the use of cleaner burning renewable diesel formulas. Initial analysis
indicates that while advanced biofuels are comparable to standard diesel blends
in terms of performance, there are tremendous opportunities to reduce vehicle
emissions.
“Amyris’ renewable diesel’s proven superior cold
weather performance, high cetane and comparable energy density to petroleum
diesel have enabled us to obtain one of the highest blending registrations
certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” said Mario
Portela, chief operating officer, Amyris.