VW Updates its U.S. Corporate Social Responsibility Report

More giving, more diversity and more environmental responsibility with regards to automobile manufacturing and the automobiles they provide.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - April 27, 2015

2015 VW eGolf SEL Premium – $36,265 to start incl. D&H while offering owners an 83 mile all-electric range (AER) estimate.

The 5-door hatch e-Golf is recognizable as a member of the brands Golf’s family but the BEV includes unique alloys and std. LED headlights.

On the high end trim, a newly developed heat pump is used. The pump uses both ambient air and heat from the drive system components to heat the cabin rather than relying solely on the high-voltage heater, helping to reduce on-board electrical consumption significantly during in winter driving.

VW and its U.S. Corporate Responsibility

VW of America released an update to its Corporate Social Responsibility Report, “At Home in America” highlighting its progress since the previous 2013 report.

In 2014, Volkswagen Group of America (VWGoA) donated an estimated $8 million to organizations across the country. These donations are just one part of the company’s efforts to deepen its roots within the United States and carry out its commitment to being a good partner for employees and communities alike.

The 2014 VW Corporate Social Responsibility Report include the following:

Environmental Sustainability - VW and Audi established key partnerships to better meet their goals for ultra-low carbon mobility. Volkswagen, Audi and 3Degrees, a renewable energy and carbon offset provider, are working to neutralize emissions created from the production, distribution and recharging of the 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf and upcoming 2016 Audi e-tron.

VW added the e-Golf, its first all-electric, zero-tail pipe emissions vehicle, to its lineup of fun-to-drive and eco-friendly cars and has been rated by the Environmental Protect Agency as the most efficient car in its class at a rating of 126 city, and 116 combined miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent, and given a range of up to 83 miles.

Audi’s 2016 A3 Sportback e-tron offers all-electric, blended hybrid and gasoline models with the option of an energy sustainability package that includes carbon offsets from 3Degrees, Inc. and a home solar solution by SunPower.

Upcoming 2016 Audi A3 e-tron PHEV-20

The Audi A3 e-tron PHEV-20 is an Audi A3 five-door hatch with a 150 hp 1.4L TFSI I4 engine. Think of the Jetta Hybrids engine but instead of being mated to a 27 hp engine and 7-speed DSG, it is mated to a much larger 100 hp electric motor integrated into a newly developed 6-speed S tronic.

The liquid cooled Li-Ion battery has a capacity of 8.8 kWh and can be charged in approximately two hours from a Level2 charging station. Precooling/heating is also included in the package.

With the drivetrain combination producing 204 total system hp and 258.1 lb-ft torque, the Audi A3 e-tron is delving into “Hot Hatch” territory while offering the greenest credentials available when on the plug. The “hot” part arises from its ability to reach 60 in under 7.5 seconds and offering a 138 mph top speed. Both will/should never be used of course.

In electric mode, top speed is limited to 81 mph.

Thanks to the lightweight design, the five-door hatch has a curb weight of 3,395 lb, just 220 pounds more than the A3 1.8L sedan while offering space for five and some luggage.

Back to VWs sustainability report…

Serving U.S. communities - VW launched a “Volunteer Day” program as part of its “Get Involved” campaign to encourage employees to take paid time off to volunteer in local communities, supporting charities and other philanthropic efforts.

VW matched $190,000 in employee donations to worthy organizations throughout the United States. This commitment includes VW’s work with the Excel Institute in Washington, DC, where Volkswagen and Audi technicians help at-risk youth and adults think about their future careers.

Becoming a leader in diversity and inclusion - VW established a Supplier Diversity program and achieved the 10 percent target for inclusion of women and ethnic minorities in its supplier network, and designated 33 percent of 2013 corporate giving to organizations that benefited underserved communities.

VW celebrated its employees with Diversity Week, an annual opportunity for Volkswagen to recognize the different cultures, heritages, and backgrounds employed across the country.

VW Updates its U.S. Corporate Social Responsibility Report