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

After stating it wouldn't be looking at hybrids as an interim answer to reducing fuel consumption and cleaning up

The Golf ECO.Power was demonstrated at the Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai (a program started by Michelin), earlier this week. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

emissions, Volkswagen AG seems to be changing its mind on the issue. It recently showed a diesel-electric hybrid prototype that many analysts are saying hints at what may be on the horizon for Europe's number one automaker. The Golf ECO.Power was demonstrated at the Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai (a program started by Michelin), earlier this week, and features an 85-kilowatt (114-hp), 1.4-liter 3-cylinder diesel joined to a 15 kilowatt (20-hp) electric motor.

The diesel-HEV could potentially deliver up to 10 to 15 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline-electric powertrain, stated Matthias Rabe, director of research for the VW Group. And what about performance? Zero to 100 km/h (0-62.5 mph) needs a mere 11.0 seconds while a top speed of

Not only can the diesel-HEV potentially deliver up to 10 to 15 percent better fuel economy than traditional HEV's, it'll be faster from 0 to 100 km/h. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

approximately 196 km/h (122 mph) is attainable. The Golf ECO.Power is equipped with a stop-start function, similar to all current production hybrids, and achieves a thrifty 3.8 liter per 100 km fuel economy average.

VW was coy about production plans, with Rabe only stating that the technology could have great potential in some markets, highlighting North America due to fuel economy concerns, and China to reduce pollution.

As previously mentioned the Europeans have downplayed the viability of HEV technology in the market, with Volkswagen AG Chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder questioning its real value even last year.