China Auto Producer Cooperates in Fuel Efficient Engine

Volkswagen FAW Engine (Dalian) Co. Ltd., a joint venture between FAW Group and Volkswagen AG, has announced plans to lower the fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of FAW-Volkswagen produced cars by more than 20 percent by 2010, with the introduction of an advanced new generation of engines and transmissions.

Under Volkswagen's "China Powertrain Strategy", the company will spend $600 million to introduce its most advanced engines and gearboxes with partner FAW Group to equip its entire range of car models produced at FAW-Volkswagen.

As the company's first step, Volkswagen FAW Engine (Dalian) started to produce its 1.8-liter turbo FSI, 4-cylinder, 4-valve engine on Friday. The engine produces a maximum power of 160 horsepower at 5,000 to 6,200rpm, and offers a peak torque of 250Nm at 1,500 to 4,200rpm.

The engine's sophisticated FSI (fuel straight injection) direct injection technology increases engine torque and power, while allowing it to operate up to 15 percent more economically with reduced exhaust emissions. Compared to ordinary intake manifold injection, FSI engines inject fuel directly into the combustion chambers, reducing heat loss and fuel consumption while increasing output. The engine's electronic management system monitors engine load and adjust injection timing, pressure, quantity parameters, and cylinder air flow. At full load, FSI increases compression as well as engine efficiency and performance.

Initially, the new engine will equip FAW-Volkswagen's new Magotan (B6 Passat) mid-sized sedan. The Magotan will enter production in June.

The Volkswagen FAW Engine (Dalian) joint venture, in which Volkswagen and FAW hold 60 and 40 percent stakes respectively, will have an annual production capacity of 300,000 units by 2011 with a total investment of 1.5 billion Yuan (US $194 million). The plant will assemble 2.0 liter engines in the future, and supply engines to Volkswagen's markets abroad.

Later this year, Volkswagen FAW Engine (Dalian) will announce more details of its plans to launch production of other advanced engines and transmissions.

Complimenting the new fuel efficient engines, FAW-Volkswagen plans to use light-weight material technology in the components of its car range to further reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

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