Volkswagen has been awarded an Auto Environment Certificate for the Golf 1.4L TSI by the ÖKO-TREND Institute for Environmental Research. When a new model is introduced the group analyzes the environmental impact of the production, purchasing, and logistics processes of the carmaker, in addition to the characteristics of the car itself. The fuel consumption, emissions, and recyclability of the car are all examined.

The 1.4L TSI engine in the Golf is rated at 138hp and utilizes both a supercharger and turbocharger to get from 0-60 in a respectable 8.8 seconds. VW previously received an ÖKO-TREND certificate for the Polo BlueMotion.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Audi's best selling A4 2.0 TDI diesel car has been presented with the coveted "Auto-Umwelt-Zertifikat" (car environment certificate) by the ÖKO-TREND institute in Wuppertal, Germany. The award was given for the A4's eco-friendliness, for the high environmental standards in its production processes and for Audi's noteworthy recycling measures.

The institute has been independently evaluating the environmental properties of vehicles since 1997. The certificate is awarded to vehicles that achieve a rating of at least 90 percent on the detailed evaluation criteria which includes not only fuel consumption, noise and pollutant emissions, but also ecological criteria such as production, procurement, logistics and recycling as well as the manufacturer's environmental management. The A4 2.0 TDI has excellent fuel economy of 6.0 L per 100 km / 39.2 mpg and comes standard with a diesel particulate filter.

Analysis: Recognition for excellent environmental performance is exactly what the major auto companies need as it allows them to leverage the recognition through their marketing efforts. Good work Audi.

Related:

• Audi launches diesel-specific web site
• Geneva Preview: Audi A5 to debut with TDi V6
• Audi offers economical new A3 and A4 models

[Source: Audi]