No TDI\'s in Calif?
Just received this from VW Customer service after hearing that they'd start shipping TDI's to Calif again Jan thru June 2001...
Dear Grace,
Thank you for inquiring to our Volkswagen web site. The TDI engine option
will not be available for the 2001 model year in the state of California.
This does not affect availability in the rest of the nation, except for New
York.
Although the TDI remains certified to meet California's tough minimum
tailpipe emission standards, Volkswagen of America's decision was made to
best ensure that California's corporate fleet average for emissions would be
met. This complicated standard calls for all automakers to formulate and
sell a predetermined mix of its models in order to meet a strict corporate
fleet average for emissions.
The Volkswagen TDI engine is the cleanest passenger car diesel ever
produced, emitting about 20 percent less CO2 than a comparable gas engine.
Additionally, the TDI emits less CO and hydrocarbons than gas motors and
because of its fuel's evaporative properties, it doesn't release harmful
fumes into the air at the fuel pump. The TDI's remarkable fuel efficiency
also helps us preserve our planet's finite supply of fossil fuel.
The TDI is certified to the tough minimum Tier 1 requirement - this is the
stringent California standard for what is permitted from a car's tailpipe.
The TDI could have been certified to even stricter requirements if not for
NOX and particulate emissions, which are naturally higher in diesel engines
because of their exceptional combustion efficiencies.
Volkswagen is confident these NOX levels can be lowered using new technology
if the sulfur level in our nation's diesel fuel was reduced. For this very
reason, Volkswagen and the other members of the Alliance of Automobile
Manufacturers have advocated lower federal sulfur content standards in both
diesel and gasoline fuels. It is a sad fact that the most technologically
advanced country in the world uses the world's most sulfur-laden fuels.
We apologize for any disappointment and hope this information shares insight
on our position. If we may be of further assistance, please respond to this
e-mail. If you prefer to speak with a representative, you may contact the
Volkswagen Information Center at 1-800-DRIVE-VW.
We certainly appreciate your interest in the Volkswagen brand and invite you
to visit again in the future.
Michelle
Volktalk
Just received this from VW Customer service after hearing that they'd start shipping TDI's to Calif again Jan thru June 2001...
Dear Grace,
Thank you for inquiring to our Volkswagen web site. The TDI engine option
will not be available for the 2001 model year in the state of California.
This does not affect availability in the rest of the nation, except for New
York.
Although the TDI remains certified to meet California's tough minimum
tailpipe emission standards, Volkswagen of America's decision was made to
best ensure that California's corporate fleet average for emissions would be
met. This complicated standard calls for all automakers to formulate and
sell a predetermined mix of its models in order to meet a strict corporate
fleet average for emissions.
The Volkswagen TDI engine is the cleanest passenger car diesel ever
produced, emitting about 20 percent less CO2 than a comparable gas engine.
Additionally, the TDI emits less CO and hydrocarbons than gas motors and
because of its fuel's evaporative properties, it doesn't release harmful
fumes into the air at the fuel pump. The TDI's remarkable fuel efficiency
also helps us preserve our planet's finite supply of fossil fuel.
The TDI is certified to the tough minimum Tier 1 requirement - this is the
stringent California standard for what is permitted from a car's tailpipe.
The TDI could have been certified to even stricter requirements if not for
NOX and particulate emissions, which are naturally higher in diesel engines
because of their exceptional combustion efficiencies.
Volkswagen is confident these NOX levels can be lowered using new technology
if the sulfur level in our nation's diesel fuel was reduced. For this very
reason, Volkswagen and the other members of the Alliance of Automobile
Manufacturers have advocated lower federal sulfur content standards in both
diesel and gasoline fuels. It is a sad fact that the most technologically
advanced country in the world uses the world's most sulfur-laden fuels.
We apologize for any disappointment and hope this information shares insight
on our position. If we may be of further assistance, please respond to this
e-mail. If you prefer to speak with a representative, you may contact the
Volkswagen Information Center at 1-800-DRIVE-VW.
We certainly appreciate your interest in the Volkswagen brand and invite you
to visit again in the future.
Michelle
Volktalk