Mumbai: Volkswagen of America, Inc plans to introduce its future range of fuel-efficient cars in the US that include the Tiguan HyMotion Fuel Cell Concept, in addition to the all-new 2.0 litre TSI Tiguan and the 2.0 litre Jetta TDI, which will also make its North American debut.

According to the company, the broad range of near-term and future fuel-efficient powertrain technologies introduced in the new line-up will provide efficiency, utility and performance in the refinement and interior appointment,a hallmark of all Volkswagen vehicles.

The Tiguan HyMotion concept, unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show and the 2007 Michelin Challenge Bibendum, highlights the current state of Volkswagen's hydrogen fuel cell research and development. The concept features a hydrogen fuel cell system, which provides over 107 HP and produces zero tailpipe emissions (clean water vapor is its only bi-product). With an assist from the electric motor, the Tiguan HyMotion advances to 134 horsepower. The top speed of the Tiguan HyMotion is 93 mph and it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 14 seconds.

The innovative new Tiguan builds upon Volkswagen's ongoing development of the fuel cell as previously demonstrated with the Touran HyMotion.

The key component of each individual fuel cell - a number of them are combined into a stack - is a proton-conducting membrane. It is located between each anode and cathode pair. Hydrogen flows on the anode side, and air flows into the cell on the cathode side. When many of these cells are combined in a stack, enough energy can be generated to drive a vehicle.

In each cell, hydrogen and oxygen react to form water on the cathode side. The fuel cell thereby converts chemical energy directly into electrical energy in an oxidation, or "cold" combustion process. The generated "exhaust" is clean water vapour.

The fuel cell is supplied fuel from the hydrogen tank and oxygen from the air by an external air inlet and outputs the electrical energy it generates - the power - via a converter and a downstream electrical system rectifier - to one or more electric motors. The Tiguan HyMotion is nearly silent when driven, and it is emissions-free.

The 2009 Jetta TDI offered in both sedan and SportWagen sports is powered by a well-refined four cylinder turbocharged engine - the Jetta utilising Volkswagen's TDI technology and the Tiguan the fuel efficient TSI - provide ample horsepower and prodigious torque to make these vehicles sporty, efficient and fun to drive.

The Jetta TDI will have an immediate impact on fuel savings in a big way - up to 35 per cent savings compared to a similar gasoline engines. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.

Volkswagen engineers have been able to reduce NOx emissions by 90 per cent on the TDI engine, through internal engine modifications and new catalytic converter technologies. This advance in diesel technology allows the Jetta TDI to exceed the toughest emissions requirements, including the "LEV2" standard, which limits NOx emissions to 70 mg per mile.

The new Tiguan comes standard with a 2.0 litre TSI engine delivering turbocharged acceleration while maintaining responsible fuel efficiency of 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. This turbocharged four-cylinder power plant delivers 200 horsepower and 207 lbs -ft of torque. The combination of four valves per cylinder, direct fuel injection and turbo charging delivers the optimum balance of power and economy. Adding to increased efficiency is a choice of either six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission options.

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