Hannover Messe 2012: efficient production processes and intelligent lightweight design
Wolfsburg / Hanover, 23 April 2012 – In line with the central topic of this year’s Hannover Messe, “greentelligence”, Volkswagen is giving visitors a comprehensive idea of the resource-conserving automobile production processes of the future in Hall 15. Apart from the environmentally compatible production methods of “Think Blue. Factory.”, the main emphasis is on low-consumption vehicles and innovative electro-mobility exhibits.
At the beginning of March in Geneva, the Volkswagen Group already announced the launch of a fundamental environmental transformation. In the coming five years, the Group will be spending well over two thirds of its entire €62.4 billion investment program directly or indirectly into ever more efficient vehicles, new powertrain concepts and environmentally compatible production at Volkswagen plants throughout the world.
At this year’s stand in Hanover, Volkswagen is tackling the question of how individual mobility can be brought into harmony with sustainable action. Apart from the program for resource-conserving automobile production, this also includes efficient Volkswagen brand vehicles with BlueMotion technologies, electro-mobility and new mobility concepts such as the “Quicar” car sharing project.
The ideal “Think Blue. Factory.” is the key element of this year’s presentation. The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand has set itself clear targets for the future. By 2018, the aim is to reduce the environmental impact of all Volkswagen plants by 25 percent. This especially includes energy consumption, waste volumes, air pollution, water use and CO2 emissions. At its stand, Volkswagen gives an indication of the technical approach adopted to achieving these targets.
Taking the example of intelligent lightweight construction using hot stamping, already used by Volkswagen in series production, Volkswagen presents an advanced production technology that helps conserve resources in a sustainable way. Dry machining, which does not require any cooling and lubricating emulsion thanks to the use of new machines and tools and modified machining processes, also significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions at Volkswagen plants.
In addition, in a simulated production line, Volkswagen gives a clear presentation of the mode of operation of its Modular Transverse Matrix –
a key technology that is to be introduced at the Wolfsburg and Zwickau plants this year.
Apart from the eco-friendly BlueMotion models, selected electric vehicles give a glimpse of the mobility of the future. The main focus is on the Golf Blue-e-Motion, the electrically powered version of the best-selling Volkswagen model. As a mobility solution for large cities, Volkswagen is also showcasing the Quicar car sharing project, launched in Hanover in November 2011.
For the first time, visitors to the fair can experience electric traction from Volkswagen for themselves during a test drive at the exhibition center. Nine Golf Blue-e-Motion vehicles are available for testing. Visitors can register for a test drive at the Volkswagen stand.
People interested in career prospects with Europe’s largest automaker can also obtain information at Hannover Messe. The Volkswagen HR marketing team will be available for personal discussions at the Volkswagen stand in Hall 15.
Hannover Messe is one of the world’s leading technology showcases. 5,000 exhibitors from about 70 countries are presenting their innovations and world firsts at the 2012 event. This year, China is the partner country of Hannover Messe. The Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brands are presenting their products and services in Hall 15 on Stand A04.
