Federal Transport Minister Tiefensee is VIP learner driver at VW fuel saving training in Berlin
Volkswagen and Naturschutzbund support economical and environmentally sound driving
Wolfsburg/Berlin, 24 May 2006 – At a Volkswagen fuel saving training session in Berlin on Wednesday, Federal Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee gained first-hand experience of how the correct driving technique can drastically cut fuel consumption. Together with Dr. Michael Kern, Board Member for Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen brand, and Olaf Tschimpke, President of Naturschutz Deutschland (NABU), Tiefensee’s training session took him through the center of Berlin. The aim was to get through the urban traffic using as little fuel as possible.
Kern said: “We have no control over fuel prices. But we have taken some fundamental corporate strategy decisions at Volkswagen to reduce fuel consumption. In future, each new Volkswagen model will use less fuel than its predecessor. The new Polo BlueMotion marks the launch of an environmental protection brand which we will be expanding to other model ranges.”
Kern emphasized that Volkswagen is closely involved in research into developing concepts to produce second-generation alternative biofuels. These fuels have a significantly better environmental balance than the present alternative fuels. “Nevertheless, a driver’s behavior is also important. Proper accelerating and braking can save up to 30 percent on fuel. Everyone can learn how to do that,” said Dr. Michael Kern, Volkswagen Board Member for Sales and Marketing, after his training session.
The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) came up with some impressive facts regarding Scientific investigations conducted by NABU in the context of the fuel saving training: if European drivers were to follow the few basic rules it would be possible to save five billion liters of fuel and also reduce European CO2 emissions by twelve million tonnes.
During the sessions, specially-trained instructors explain the most important rules for fuel saving driving such as prompt gear changes in the low-rev range and avoiding unnecessary braking maneuvers. The training is part of an integrated approach to reduce fuel consumption and puts Volkswagen’s commitment to sustainability into practice.
The ecological aspect of the fuel saving training is the driving force behind NABU’s commitment. “Driving techniques acquired during the fuel saving training sessions organized by Volkswagen and NABU show how every driver can make a contribution towards reducing the environmental impact simply and immediately. Such driving behavior also holds great potential for improving air quality, noise abatement and safety, and should therefore be comprehensively used as a building block for protecting the environment,” said NABU President Olaf Tschimpke.
Volkswagen and NABU will be organizing fuel saving training throughout Germany at regular intervals.
Cooperation partners for sustainability: Volkswagen and NABU Cooperation between Volkswagen and NABU began in 1999. The partners initiate joint projects for sustainable development in Germany. Apart from fuel saving training which began in 2002, these projects also include the “Willkommen Wolf!” campaign to create a habitat for wolves living in the wild in Germany. Joint workshops and discussion forums on all issues relating to mobility organized by Volkswagen and NABU lend momentum to the sociopolitical debate.
- VW Media
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