BlueMotion
BlueMotion and BlueMotion Technology are terms used by the automobile manufacturer Volkswagen for vehicle models that have been optimized with regard to their fuel consumption and pollutant emissions in order to achieve better environmental compatibility . The VW-Skoda sister called low-energy vehicles as GreenLine versions. Seat uses the Ecomotive brand for fuel- saving variants and Audi uses the term ultra .
The term BlueMotion is reserved for the most economical model in a series, which also differs optically from the other equipment lines. This is in contrast to the BlueMotion Technology package, which includes largely identical optimization measures, but can be combined with several equipment variants and special equipment and is also offered for vehicle models for which no independent BlueMotion variant is available.
In contrast to the 3-liter model of the Lupo , which was discontinued at the end of 2005 , the stated goals are not achieved through the use of high-priced lightweight construction materials and complex technology. Instead, Volkswagen relies on conventional - and therefore more cost-effective - methods such as reducing air resistance , adapting the gear ratio and optimizing the engines.
The term BlueMotion was introduced in 2006 with the Polo BlueMotion . Initially only to vehicles with diesel engine linked to the concept with the BlueMotion Technology package for was Passat 1.4 TSI to vehicles with gasoline engines expanded. Since 2009, the BlueMotion and BlueMotion Technology concepts from Volkswagen have been combined under the umbrella brand BlueMotionTechnologies along with other technologies that pursue similar goals .
technology
The BlueMotion and BlueMotion Technology models rely on largely identical technical optimization measures. However, not all measures are used to the same extent in all models. Almost all vehicles have in common a more or less pronounced cladding of the body in order to reduce air resistance. The rolling resistance is reduced by using special low-friction tires. Above all, the BlueMotion models also have spoilers at the front and rear and mostly also a lowering of the body in order to further reduce the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle.
All vehicles with a TDI diesel engine have a soot particle filter as standard . The engine control software has been modified, for example to reduce fuel consumption by changing the injection times and lowering the idling speed. The manual transmissions have a longer gear ratio in the upper gears in order to lower the engine speed and thus lower consumption. Almost all vehicles have a multifunction display in the cockpit that recommends the ideal gear for the respective driving situation in order to support a consumption-optimized driving style.
In addition to these technologies already used in the first BlueMotion models, all newer vehicles have a start-stop system and brake energy recovery . The DSG dual clutch transmission available for some BlueMotion Technology models has a freewheel function that automatically disengages when the vehicle is rolling in order to prevent losses due to the braking effect of the engine and thus to reduce fuel consumption.
criticism
Environmental organizations and consumer advocates criticize the advertising for the BlueMotion technology as part of a greenwashing campaign, since the vehicles equipped with it are only sold in relatively small numbers and are too expensive.
Individual evidence
- ^ VW: Green advertising, gray reality. Greenpeace Magazine, October 11, 2008, accessed July 30, 2010 .
- ↑ Joachim Becker: Auto industry in transition - Diet for gasoline. Sueddeutsche.de, June 5, 2007, accessed on August 2, 2010 .
- ↑ Nils Klawitter: Greenwashing charge: consumer advocates cover corporations with warnings. Spiegel Online, May 8, 2010, accessed August 2, 2010 .
