VW says it has sold over 100,000 TDI diesels in America this year

[cawimmer430]

VW says it has sold over 100,000 TDI diesels in America this year



Volkswagen Group of America has lit oil-burning fireworks to celebrate the sales of more than 100,000 TDI Clean Diesel vehicles in the US between its VW and Audi brands this year. According to VW, that means it is responsible for more than 75 percent of diesel-engined cars and SUVs sold here – perhaps not surprising when the two brands offer a total of 12 diesel models.

What might be surprising is that the number of diesels isn't far off the estimated sales of 90,000 battery electric vehicles and PHEVs, with 15,000 of those accounted for by the Tesla Model S, another 12,000 or so being the Toyota Prius PHEV.

VW's keen to play up the ease of making diesel part of your life, stressing that it doesn't need any change to the refueling infrastructure and that "this is a technology delivering real answers to society's concerns about fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions without compromises."

You can read more about the good news and diesel's good deeds in the press release below.


Link: http://www.autoblog.com/2013/12/26/vw-audi-100000-tdi-sales-us/



IT'S OFFICIAL: Volkswagen Group of America has sold more than 100,000 TDI® Clean Diesel vehicles in 2013

Herndon, VA, 12.20.2013 - Volkswagen Group of America reported today that it has sold 100,000 TDI® Clean Diesel vehicles from the Volkswagen and Audi brands this year. This is the first time it has reached this milestone in a calendar year. Volkswagen and Audi currently offer 12 different TDI Clean Diesel powered models in the United States.

Audi and Volkswagen pioneered TDI® Clean Diesel engines and, as a result, the Volkswagen Group of America is the current market leader in Clean Diesel. Today's Clean Diesel engines deliver more torque, better highway fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions compared with equivalent gasoline engines. As a result, Audi and Volkswagen deliver remarkable performance and impressive fuel economy.

"Selling more than100,000 TDI Clean Diesel vehicles is a significant milestone for Volkswagen Group of America," said Mark McNabb, chief operating officer, Volkswagen of America. "We're excited to see the increasing numbers of customers able to enjoy the reliability, durability, fuel-efficiency and power of the clean diesel engine."

"The past year has shown that American consumers clearly recognize the benefits of clean diesel TDI vehicles," said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. "They understand now more than ever that this is a technology delivering real answers to society's concerns about fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions without compromises."

More than 75 percent of the diesel engines sold in the passenger car and SUV segments in the United States can be found under the hoods of Volkswagen and Audi models. Ever since 1977, when Volkswagen first offered a diesel in the Rabbit, the company has sold more than one million cars and SUVs powered by these engines in this market. High-mileage, TDI® Clean Diesel Volkswagen models accounted for 21 percent of sales in November and 24 percent of sales year-to-date, the best year-to-date results on record.

In 2013, Audi showed it intends to remain at the forefront of clean diesel expansion in the U.S. by dramatically enhancing its lineup with the new Audi Q5 TDI, A6 TDI, A7 TDI and A8 TDI models. Those premium models joined the Audi Q7 SUV in the market, and next summer Audi will introduce its most fuel-efficient model, the all-new A3 TDI sedan.

The TDI models in the Audi and Volkswagen lineup deliver up to 30% better fuel economy and 12%-30% lower carbon dioxide emissions than gasoline engines and there is no need for driver behavior change except to move from one pump to the other and no need for big infrastructure changes.

Volkswagen offers Clean Diesel technology in seven different models, six of which get an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 40 mpg or more on the highway. The models include the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat and Touareg.


About Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWGoA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. VWGoA operates a manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee and houses the U.S. operations of a worldwide family of distinguished and exciting brands including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Volkswagen, as well as VW Credit, Inc. Founded in 1955, the company's headquarters are in Herndon, Va. VWGoA brings vehicles to the U.S. that marry the science of engineering and the art of styling, with the goal of offering attractive, safe, and eco-conscious automobiles that are competitive and set world standards in their respective classes. The company has approximately 5,900 employees in the United States and sells its vehicles through a 950-strong dealer network.

[Byteme]

VW says it has sold over 100,000 TDI diesels in America this year



The TDI models in the Audi and Volkswagen lineup deliver up to 30% better fuel economy and 12%-30% lower carbon dioxide emissions than gasoline engines and there is no need for driver behavior change except to move from one pump to the other and no need for big infrastructure changes.

Around here diesel carries a 28.7% premium over regular unleaded so I don't see any significantly lower operating costs.  And no big infrastructure changes is a myth.  Refieries in the US are designed and built to optimize the production of gasoline. Conversion to significantly alter the mix of gas and diesel produced would cost refiners billions.

I'm neither pro or anti diesel but I think we all need to look to the reality behind the numbers.

[Madman]

Another factor to take into account is depreciation.  Diesel cars retain their value much better than their gasoline powered equivalents.  That makes a big difference come trade-in time.

[MX793]

Around here diesel carries a 28.7% premium of regular unleaded so I don't see ay significantly lower operating costs.  kAnd no big infrastructure changes is a myth.  Refieries in the US are designed and built to optimize the production of gasoline. Conversion to significantly alter the mix of gas and diesel produced would cost refiners billions.

I'm neither pro or anti diesel but I think we all need to look to the reality behind the numbers.

It's only a 14% premium over regular around here (about the same as premium unleaded)...

And refineries don't just convert oil to gasoline.  Diesel is also created inherently by the process of refining crude oil.  If you create gasoline from crude, you'll also create diesel (and myriad other byproducts) by default.  Considering there is still considerable demand for diesel (and similar fuel oils) in the US and abroad, the oil companies and refineries are going to take advantage of every fuel product they get from a barrel of crude.  in other words, they're already producing it with high efficiency.  There also would be no conversion needed to adjust how much gasoline versus how much diesel you get from the crude as those amounts are fixed (i.e. only so much gasoline or so much diesel can be refined from a gallon of crude, there is no trade-off between getting more of one type or the other in the process).

[cawimmer430]

Around here diesel carries a 28.7% premium of regular unleaded so I don't see ay significantly lower operating costs.  kAnd no big infrastructure changes is a myth.  Refieries in the US are designed and built to optimize the production of gasoline. Conversion to significantly alter the mix of gas and diesel produced would cost refiners billions.

I'm neither pro or anti diesel but I think we all need to look to the reality behind the numbers.

I guess it depends on how much you drive. For someone that's always on the road and thus requires the fuel economy, a diesel is the way to go and it means savings over the next few months/years.

Larger and heavier cars like big SUVs for example always make sense with diesel engines.

That's pretty much the situation in Europe (if we ignore the expensive diesel tax).

[giant_mtb]

Diesel's about 20% more expensive around here, and usually is within a few cents of the price of premium.

[2o6]

Id rock a Diesel Yaris.

[MrH]

All depends on the character of the car to me.

Big truck or SUV that I want to haul things with? Give me a diesel. For every day driving or sports cars? No way in hell.

[cawimmer430]

Id rock a Diesel Yaris.

Come to Europe. We got plenty of 'em here. 

[cawimmer430]

All depends on the character of the car to me.

Big truck or SUV that I want to haul things with? Give me a diesel. For every day driving or sports cars? No way in hell.

Diesel performance cars can be a lot of fun to drive, especially because of the low-end-torque surge and good gas mileage (better than a comparable gasoline-powered car). If I want a daily driver that offers both spirited performance and fuel economy, diesel is the way to go IMO. 

I'd love to have a Volkswagen Golf GTD or a Peugeot RCZ HDi.

[MrH]

Diesel performance cars can be a lot of fun to drive, especially because of the low-end-torque surge and good gas mileage (better than a comparable gasoline-powered car). If I want a daily driver that offers both spirited performance and fuel economy, diesel is the way to go IMO. 

I'd love to have a Volkswagen Golf GTD or a Peugeot RCZ HDi.

Good gas mileage isn't fun. 

[cawimmer430]

Good gas mileage isn't fun. 

When gas costs $ 9 / gallon, it is.

[Onslaught]

VW says it has sold over 100,000 TDI diesels to Americans that Onslaught wouldn't want to talk to because they drive a Diesel.





And a VW.

[Xer0]

Another factor to take into account is depreciation.  Diesel cars retain their value much better than their gasoline powered equivalents.  That makes a big difference come trade-in time.

I think they just retain their value better in comparison to their in company counterpart.  Example, Jetta SE vs Jetta TDI, the TDI will have a higher residual but nothing that eclipses the average Honda.  I think this is also driven by the fact that the TDI motor is just vastly superior to the 2.5L lump that it replaces.  As VW incorporates the 1.8t into their lineup (and provided it doesn't explode or is prone to problems) the residuals of gas and TDI spec VW's will probably be the same or similar.

[GoCougs]

Pretty much just as no one buys a hybrid that isn't a Toyota...

It's a non-value fad.

[12,000 RPM]

Diesel performance cars can be a lot of fun to drive, especially because of the low-end-torque surge and good gas mileage (better than a comparable gasoline-powered car). If I want a daily driver that offers both spirited performance and fuel economy, diesel is the way to go IMO. 

I'd love to have a Volkswagen Golf GTD or a Peugeot RCZ HDi.

A low RPM engine that runs out of steam halfway through the rev range is a terrible match for a sports car. Diesel performance cars are for folks who want to own a performance car and drive it like a hypermiler.

I would love a diesel in something like my wife's Rabbit but my car? I wish it had MORE top end.

[Byteme]

And refineries don't just convert oil to gasoline.  Diesel is also created inherently by the process of refining crude oil.  If you create gasoline from crude, you'll also create diesel (and myriad other byproducts) by default.  Considering there is still considerable demand for diesel (and similar fuel oils) in the US and abroad, the oil companies and refineries are going to take advantage of every fuel product they get from a barrel of crude.  in other words, they're already producing it with high efficiency.  There also would be no conversion needed to adjust how much gasoline versus how much diesel you get from the crude as those amounts are fixed (i.e. only so much gasoline or so much diesel can be refined from a gallon of crude, there is no trade-off between getting more of one type or the other in the process).

Sorry, that's just not true.
From gasbuddy.com
"First, the price of diesel is pushed higher by strong demand outside of the U.S.  The U.S. is a gasoline-dominant motor fuels market. 98 percent of passenger  vehicles are powered by gasoline with fewer than 2 percent powered by diesel  fuel. Consequently, the refining infrastructure is designed for optimum  efficiency in producing gasoline.  From a typical 42-gallon barrel of oil, the  refining process delivers around 18 to 21 gallons of gasoline and 10 to 12  gallons of distillate (diesel fuel) plus some other refined products. Refinery  yields can be tweaked but to produce significantly more distillate they would  need to undergo significant upgrades costing billions. "

Another tip off is if it were just a matter of diverting more crude to diesel and less gas in existing refineries majors like Shell wouldn't be considering building expensive plants just to convert  natural gas to diesel.

Also see:  http://www.digitalrefining.com/article/1000610,Flexible_solutions_for_increased____diesel_production.html  It's a pretty technical discussion but what is evident throughout the article is that a significant increase will require significant capital expenditures

[CJ]

I did 44.2 MPG on the way to Florida in my mom's Jetta. I'm a believer of small and efficient diesels. This car is also exceptionally comfortable and drives really nicely.

[Byteme]

I think they just retain their value better in comparison to their in company counterpart.  Example, Jetta SE vs Jetta TDI, the TDI will have a higher residual but nothing that eclipses the average Honda.  I think this is also driven by the fact that the TDI motor is just vastly superior to the 2.5L lump that it replaces.  As VW incorporates the 1.8t into their lineup (and provided it doesn't explode or is prone to problems) the residuals of gas and TDI spec VW's will probably be the same or similar.

Don't they also cost more, higher MSRP than gas for an equally equipped car?

[12,000 RPM]

Don't they also cost more, higher MSRP than gas for an equally equipped car?

Yea but they still depreciate at slower rates than their gas equivalents

But so do hybrids, while getting better overall efficiency and lower operating costs

[CJ]

I'll say that for a comparably equipped Prius, we'd have spent a considerable amount more than we did on the Jetta. It wouldn't be as nice inside or as good to drive. Fuel economy would be marginally better, as my mom's commute is all highway.

[Xer0]

Don't they also cost more, higher MSRP than gas for an equally equipped car?

According VW's site, a TDI is only 1k more than a comparably equipped 2.5L so the difference isn't that great and you're getting a far better engine. 

[Raza]

All depends on the character of the car to me.

Big truck or SUV that I want to haul things with? Give me a diesel. For every day driving or sports cars? No way in hell.

I agree they have no place in sports cars, but I would give a Golf TDI (or preferably, a GTD) a try as a daily driver. 

[Eye of the Tiger]

Diesel sports cars are awesome.

[Mustangfan2003]

Too bad Audi didn't build an R8 diesel. 

[12,000 RPM]

I'll say that for a comparably equipped Prius, we'd have spent a considerable amount more than we did on the Jetta. It wouldn't be as nice inside or as good to drive. Fuel economy would be marginally better, as my mom's commute is all highway.

Prius sucks. Jetta vs something like a Civic Hybrid though, much tougher choice. Civic gets better overall gas mileage with cheaper gas, is lower maintenance, costs the same, doesn't drive much worse and holds value longer. Not trying to dump on diesels or your mom's car but numbers wise they aren't a clear winner over anything just yet.

[CJ]

That Civic won't have the space our car does or the level of comfort.

[giant_mtb]

I'd rather drive a Jetta than a Civic.

[Madman]

I agree they have no place in sports cars,

Audi begs to differ.

[Secret Chimp]

Audi begs to differ.

That's a "sports car" all right.