Volkswagen is set to introduce the world's first turbocharged engine that can run on both gasoline and compressed natural gas (CNG), according to Automobilwoche.
The magazine quotes the managing director of Volkswagen Individual, Reiner Mangold, as stating that a Passat 1.4-litre TSI with an engine that can also run on compressed natural gas will be announced in early 2008.
With CNG costing less than 90 cent/litre (US$1.30) in Germany compared to €1.35/litre for gasoline, the new engine is expected to offer significant savings for fleet operators, Volkswagen's target market.
After the initial release of the new engine in the Passat, Germany's most popular fleet market car, it will be introduced in the Touran minivan, Caddy delivery van and Golf hatchback, the magazine states, adding that rivals Opel and Fiat are working on models with similar technology.
http://www.automotiveworld.com/WVMA/content.asp?contentid=65396
