VW Changes Its Mind and Announces Hybrid Vehicles are In Its Future

The Golf ECO.Power Shows Just How Efficient Diesel-Hybrid Drivetrains Can Be

With oil over $53 USD per barrel this week, and no end in sight for the much higher prices compared to the same time last year,

Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and now Jeep, have still been able to tout the merits of clean, quiet, powerful yet economical common-rail diesel power against complicated and as yet unproven HEV systems. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

more automakers are preparing for what may be a very fuel conscious consumer if the upward trend continues.

Before the world can take advantage of a hydrogen economy, a utopian solution that still requires many infrastructural problems to be resolved, European automakers have been pushing the merits of modern day diesel power, for the most part, while the U.S. and Japanese have taken the HEV, or hybrid-electric vehicle route, the latter with exception of heavy-duty domestic pickup trucks and Jeep's new Liberty Diesel.

As it has been, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and now Jeep, have still been able to tout the merits of clean, quiet, powerful yet economical common-rail diesel power against

After originally dismissing hybrid technology, Volkswagen AG seems to be changing its mind on the issue. It recently showed a diesel-electric hybrid prototype. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

complicated and as yet unproven (over the long haul) HEV systems, being that fuel economy figures do not necessarily benefit the Japanese and soon, with the introduction of the new Ford Escape Hybrid, domestic hybrids.

But all has changed since HEV leader Toyota announced diesel-HEVs would be part of its future (see automotive news section for August 16, 2004: Toyota Considering Making Diesel-Electric Hybrid Vehicles). The added benefits of diesel efficiency and performance would be considerably enhanced with an integrated hybrid-electric system, and could be done easily as all that is needed, simplistically, is for the gasoline-powered ICE (internal combustion engine) to be swapped out for a diesel one.