Statement by Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Regarding Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)

HERNDON, Va., Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen Group is a global leader in fuel efficiency and understands the importance of increasing fuel economy with standards that are aggressive, achievable, within a flexible framework and affordable to consumers. We are committed to continually making fuel efficient vehicles, such as the new mid-size, clean diesel Passat TDI, available to the U.S. market.  Built in Chattanooga, TN, the Passat TDI achieves 43 mpg highway and can travel almost 800 miles on a single tank of fuel.

While challenging, Volkswagen is encouraged that the proposed standards set a single, national fuel economy program for the foreseeable future. However, Volkswagen would like to see the same flexibilities and alternative compliance paths afforded the heaviest trucks be available to the smallest, already fuel-efficient passenger cars.  Furthermore, the proposal  is not technology neutral and does not encourage the benefits of technologies, like clean diesel, that are available now, affordable to mainstream consumers, and provide immediate fuel economy improvements and CO2 reduction benefits, enhancing our energy security and protecting the environment.

A lot of good work has been done, but there is room and a need for some improvements to keep a level playing field for all automakers to attain the challenging new goals. Volkswagen looks forward to expressing these concerns and continuing negotiations with the Administration.

About Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the world's third-largest automaker and the largest carmaker in Europe. It operates a manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., and houses the U.S. operations of a worldwide family of distinguished and exciting brands including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Volkswagen, as well as VW Credit, Inc. Founded in 1955, the company's headquarters are in Herndon, Va., Volkswagen Group of America brings to the U.S. vehicles that marry the science of engineering and the art of styling, with the goal of offering attractive, safe, and environmentally sound automobiles that are competitive and set world standards in their respective classes. The company has more than 4,000 employees in the United States and sells its vehicles through an 800-strong dealer network. With increasing popularity for its brands in the U.S., the company has set the goal of reaching one million car sales in the country by 2018.

SOURCE Volkswagen Group of America