BlueMotion

BlueMotion and BlueMotion Technology are used by the automobile manufacturer Volkswagen designations for vehicle models that were optimized in terms of fuel consumption and pollutant emissions in order to achieve a better environmental performance. The VW Skoda sister called low-energy vehicles as GreenLine versions. Seat Ecomotive used the brand for fuel-saving variants and Audi ultra designation.

The term BlueMotion is reserved for the most fuel-efficient model of each series, which is also visually different from the other equipment lines. In contrast, the BlueMotion Technology package that includes substantially identical optimization measures, but can be combined with several trim levels and optional equipment, and is also offered for vehicle models for which no independent BlueMotion version is available.

Unlike the set end of 2005 3-liter Lupo model of the objectives will not be achieved by the use of high-priced lightweight materials and the use of costly technology. Instead, Volkswagen relies on conventional - and cheaper - methods such as reducing air resistance, adjusting the gear ratio and the optimization of engines.

The term BlueMotion was introduced in 2006 with the Polo BlueMotion. Initially, only bound to vehicles with a diesel engine, the concept was expanded with the BlueMotion Technology package for the Passat 1.4 TSI to vehicles with a petrol engine. Since 2009, the BlueMotion and BlueMotion Technology concepts from Volkswagen are grouped together with other technologies, which have similar objectives, under the umbrella brand BlueMotion Technologies.

Technology

The BlueMotion and BlueMotion Technology models rely on largely identical technical optimization measures. However, not all measures in all models to the same extent used. Together almost all vehicles, a more or less pronounced covering of the body, thereby reducing air resistance. The rolling resistance is reduced by the use of special low-resistance tires. In particular, the BlueMotion models are also equipped with front and rear spoilers and usually also a lowering of the body to reduce the air resistance of the vehicle on.

To improve the soot particle emissions vehicles with a TDI diesel engine are equipped as standard with particulate filters. In addition, the control software of the engine has been modified in order to achieve, for example, by changing the injection times, and the lowering of the idling speed, a reduction in fuel consumption. The manual transmission of the vehicle are translated longer in the upper gear ratios in order to enable a reduction of the engine speed and hence a lower fuel consumption. In addition, almost all vehicles are equipped with a multifunctional display in the cockpit, the driver provides recommendations for the ideal in the current driving situation gear to support a fuel-efficient driving style.

In addition to those already used in the first BlueMotion models technologies have all newer vehicles through a start-stop system and the possibility of braking energy recovery. It is available for some BlueMotion Technology models DSG dual clutch transmission has an override function that automatically disengages when the vehicle rolls without shear to prevent losses due to the braking effect of the engine, thus reducing fuel consumption.

Criticism

Environmental organizations and consumer advocates criticize advertising the BlueMotion technology as part of a greenwashing campaign, as the so-equipped vehicles would be sold only in relatively small quantities and are too expensive.

87385
de