VW’s Clean Diesel Tour Aims at Superbowl and Beyond

VW's Dieselution Tour cleverly blends the words diesel and solution to convey the potential answers to fuel efficiency and CO2 greenhouse gas emissions that clean diesel offers the North American car market. But you can take the meaning a step further and include the words evolution and revolution, because if the coming wave of evolutionary clean diesel engines gain public acceptance it could mean a revolution for powertrain and fuel choices in America.

The enlightenment this clean diesel tour seeks to provide is sorely needed since diesel has a largely negative image in the States. While diesel vehicles of the past offered higher fuel economy, old diesel technology was dirty, sooty, smelly, noisy, and underpowered. To compound the problem, the 5.7-liter GM V-8 diesel produced from 1978 to 1985 was a maintenance headache that is remembered as such even today.

With cheap gas, most automakers abandoned the North American diesel market. Volkswagen, on the other hand, set a course of continual refinement and improvement that pushed diesel technology forward. For 30 years, VW has been the one stable influence in the U.S. diesel car market. Leaning on worldwide diesel expertise, VW's latest generation of clean Turbo Direct Injection, or TDI, engines are poised to change the American driver's opinion about diesel.

But how to spread the clean diesel gospel? Volkswagen knows the shift in attitude will require an educational process. The mission is to allow potential buyers to experience clean diesel first hand. With that will come an understanding that the latest generation diesels not only are very economical and durable, but also quiet with low tailpipe emissions. Plus, they're a lot of fun to drive because of their considerable torque.

The Dieselution Tour is a rolling road show of diesel goodness. A custom 53-foot display rig is packed with interactive displays and educational materials. The trailer features slide-out expansions on both sides to transform the standard semi trailer into a huge temperature controlled indoor exhibit area.

Inside visitors will find a wide range of displays that are fun and informative. A diesel heritage section, for example, explains VW's diesel history, technological advancements, and leadership. Other elements include an Alt Fuel video area, a Dieselab with a series of interactive video displays, a Sustainability Station that has an interactive quiz and a Carbon Footprint Calculator. Looking further down the road, the Dieselution Tour also explains the potential of biofuels featuring SunFuel.

Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America elaborates: "Volkswagen of America considers the Dieselution Tour an important informational resource for everyone concerned about the environment and improved fuel economy standards," says Jacoby. "We want to show Americans that today's clean diesel technology is a quantum leap from powerplants introduced nearly 30 years ago. This tour aims to change any outdated perception about diesel technology."

Dieselution exhibits extend out to the pavement surrounding the trailer. Center stage is the anxiously awaited 50-state legal 2009 Jetta TDI that will go on sale in the third quarter of 2009. The 2.0-liter TDI is VW's cleanest diesel ever, meeting stringent Tier II Bin 5 emissions standards without the need for urea injection. The four-cylinder, common rail direct injection diesel employs four valves per cylinder to produce an impressive 140 horsepower and 235 lbs-ft of torque. While EPA fuel economy figures have yet to be released, mileage should be on par or better than a mid-size hybrid sedan. Also displayed are a Volkswagen Polo Blue Motion, 3.0-liter V-6 TDI Touareg, and a 1977 diesel Rabbit that holds the title of the oldest VW diesel in America.

The display also features a motorsports exhibit highlighting VW's impressive success in campaigning various TDI powered Touaregs in rugged events ranging from the Pikes Peak hill climb to the Baja 500 and Dakar rally. While racing isn't particularly green, the fact that these TDI diesel powered vehicles can compete with and often beat exotic gasoline powered race cars illustrates the performance potential of a diesel. And that's one of the major selling points when a potential customer has the opportunity to test drive a new-generation clean diesel. These vehicles offer great performance with plenty of satisfying low end power.

Jacoby understands the challenges and opportunities ahead: "As the diesel car sales leader in the United States, we have worked hard to make our diesels cleaner, quieter, and more fuel efficient. Once consumers realize that a clean diesel alternative can improve their fuel economy by nearly 35 percent over comparable gasoline engines, we are confident that many drivers will visit their local Volkswagen dealerships."

Partnering with VW on the Dieselution Tour are International Truck and Engine Company and non-profit carbon offset provider CarbonFund.org. Volkswagen's Dieselution Tour can be found at events across the United States including environmental alternative fuel festivals, trade shows, and public events including the 2008 Super Bowl.