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On the future of clean diesel in Canada: an encounter with John White, President and CEO of Volkswagen Canada, at the Montreal Auto Show.
At the beginning of every new year, Canadian automobile journalists are torn between attending two important events, the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and the Montreal International Auto Show. Although the Michigan event is much more important in terms of floor area and media coverage, the dilemma is real since the Montreal show concentrates on the Canadian market and features the compact cars that will be put on the market in the following months or even weeks. In Detroit, the emphasis is placed on the future in the medium term.
This year the journalists face an even tougher dilemma as both shows are presented at the same time. Since I can’t split myself into two, I have decided to go attend the Montreal show and I’m more than pleased with my decision, especially given the fact that I was able to talk with Mr. John White, President and CEO of Volkswagen Canada. Unsurprisingly, my questions were mostly about the growing importance of diesel at Volkswagen. Below is a summary of our discussion.
Louis-Alain Richard – The Jetta TDI is fresh off the assembly line, and you’ve just presented a Clean Diesel version of the Touareg, the Touareg 3.0 TDI. Diesel seems to be getting special attention at Volkswagen. Are you planning to offer more diesel version in the near future?
John White – Yes we are, as a matter of fact. Clean Diesel will be offered on the new Golf VI that will be launched in the fall of 2009 for the 2010 model-year. However, diesel will only be available in early 2010, not immediately at launch.
LAR – The Golf is returning under this name?
JW – Yes, in Canada, the Golf will be back. And the great news is that it will also be offered in a TDI wagon, just as it is in Europe.
LAR – And what about the Jetta TDI ?
JW – The Jetta TDI Clean Diesel will continue with the present format for another year, and then will be replaced by a new version with a new platform, different from the Golf VI. A Clean Diesel version will obviously be offered with this new model – expected in 2011 – and will once again be called the Jetta.
LAR – The Passat was offered in a TDI version in 2004-2005. Do you expect to repeat the diesel experience with the Passat?
JW – Yes and no. The present Passat won’t be offered in a diesel version. However, you’re probably aware that we’re building a new factory in Tennessee where a new model will be assembled. This new model will be a large sedan largely aimed at the North American market. It will be a complement to the Passat line-up, which will continue with the Passat CC model. Anyway, this new model will be offered in a Clean Diesel version at launch, which is expected for the 2011 model-year.
LAR – With what kind of engine?
JW - Nothing has been decided as yet. But the BlueSport concept car recently presented in Detroit gives a good indication of what the future holds: a 2-litre, 180 horsepower TDI with 350 lb-ft of torque would be more than adequate for a sedan of this size. But we’re not ruling out the possibility of offering a V6 TDI.
LAR – So it’s safe to say diesel is here to stay?
JW – Absolutely. This type of engine is expected to become more prevalent with every new launch. We really believe in it, and we’ve shown our commitment to it for the past 30 years. But diesel isn’t everything. We’re working on several new ideas with a view to reducing our carbon footprint. Gas engines can be improved, and we’re already looking at hybrid cars and even fuel cells. You can expect some innovative new technology, that’s for sure.
LAR – Thanks, John. Enjoy the Show!
7 Comments
Comments
VW why don’t you take the lead on this. A Passat TDI, a Touareg TDI and a sports car with a 180 hp TDI. That’s nice for people who want a “green” status symbol, but what about the people who want a truly economical car? Cudos on the Golf TDI, but if we really want to get GHG lower in this country we need to address the transportation problems that exist outside of TO, Vancouver and Montreal. Namely in the rest of the country, public transportation stinks and because of the lower population densities and wider work areas car-pooling is difficult. What is needed is a small car with a diesel. Say something like a two-door hatchback with a miserly 1.2 litre TDI. Gee, where could you find something like that? Maybe the Polo – produced by you guys and sold everywhere but here. Sign me up.
But, you probably make more on one Touareg TDI than 15 Polo’s and as long as we will keep buying them you are not stupid. Think lnog term John. You get me in the door with a Polo, maybe you will sell me something else down the road.I know the lost leader idea sticks in your throat like a tumour, but the Polo is a done deal. There are no development and RD costs that you have to amortize. Surely you can make some money on them. Just a thought.
Happy Kraut
I think VW has an opportunity to continue its Diesel strategy in Canada, and John is balancing the short with the long-term. There are already 2 TDI Clean Diesels on the market with the Jetta and Jetta Wagon, and VW announced that they were putting a TDI Clean Diesel in their Touareg this Spring. And, VW is confirming TDI Clean Diesel for the Golf VI in about a year. Between Golf and Jetta, that’s half of VW’s volume. And add Passat, you’ve covered all the major stuff. Polo would be nice, but there’s been no announcement it is coming, so why not let VW talk about what they can do. It’s already more than any other company for Diesel. This is a lot more information than we have seen in a long time from Canada. Usually this stuff comes out the states, and doesn’t always apply to Canada.
I do applaud any diesel initiatives. I am a firm believer that clean diesel technology is a better option than hydrids. What I am questioning is the the environmental sincerity of placing diesels in all of their high margin vehicles rather than trying to put the “greenest” car on the market. And yes I think the TDI Golf is a step in the right direction.
I am wondering if anyone have dirrect contact info (e-mail or phone number) of VW canada rep, I am having few concern about my vehicle (under waranty) and the vw service that I think does not realy troubleshoot correctly on my vehicle, they tried to fix it few times but the problem keep coming back.
Thanks
Has anyone else heard anything else regarding the passat tdi coming??… my fingers are crossed!!
No questions or comments on the Tiguan. How dissapointing!
Considering the concept was shown at all autoshows with a TDI it’s really sad vw isn’t pushing their compact suv quicker with a diesel. It could easily be a best seller. But why would vw want to do that they’re already the worlds number 1 automaker.
January 20, 2009 by Clean Diesel
The discusion which happened in canada about the clean diesel has been beneficial for each and everyone and i hope this new and the details will be helpful for all.