Volkswagen launches CarExplainer.ie to combat confusion over new engine technologies

A recent survey carried out by Volkswagen Ireland asked Irish motorists for their views on engine technologies. Some of the results showed that there was a level of confusion surrounding these technologies. The survey found that 67 per cent of Irish drivers incorrectly believe that a diesel car emits more CO2 than an equivalent petrol one. Nearly 33 per cent of Irish drivers incorrectly believe that full Hybrid cars have zero CO2 emissions. Nearly half (44 per cent) of Irish drivers believe that Electric Cars produce some emissions while they are driving. Over 70 per cent of Irish drivers think there are less than 500 electric vehicle charging points in Ireland (there are more than 1,100). When it comes to Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) over half (56 per cent) of Irish drivers think that a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle cannot complete a typical journey with zero CO2 emissions (the Passat GTE can cover up to 59 km with Zero Emissions). 68per cent of Irish drivers would like a website that explains the different engine and fuel types available in Ireland and this is where www.CarExplainer.ie comes in.

Volkswagen has built this site to help consumers cut through the noise that surrounds new engine technology at the moment and to give clear, straightforward information to customers.

“It is clear from the survey findings and from what our retailers are hearing on the forecourts that the general public is quite confused.  They are confused about the differences between the engine technology, be it petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric, but they also don’t know which technology suits their needs. We aimed to explain as clearly as possible the differences between all of these,” said Volkswagen Ireland Head of Marketing, Mark McGrath. 

CarExplainer.ie guides customers through the differences between petrol, diesel, hybrid (HEV & mHEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and electric vehicles (BEV), and what type of driver each one may be best suited to. It also gives transparent data on fuel consumption and emission data.