78 MPG in the UK but not here

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 1:58 pm

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 3:17 pm

While I agree they have the tech to make more efficient engines, there are also discrepancies which are pointed out on Snopes:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/passat.asp

and here:

http://pesn.com/2012/05/01/9602085_VW_n ... consumers/

It's not just the different size in gallons, but the government estimated mileage ratings are different in the UK - they use a different testing scheme. So that car might be rated more in the 50MPG highway range in the US.

But I agree, that these companies need to aggressively market higher efficiency engines here, and accept the fact that they just aren't going to sell as well as they do in Europe, because Americans generally prefer bigger vehicles and generally don't want diesel. It also shouldn't be hard to make them meet US EPA regulations.

Explanation from VW

Here is what Mark explained about the situation. His title is: Manager, Product and Technology Communications, Volkswagen of America Inc.

There are at least five things that factor in here.

First, VW used to sell the same (or similar?) Passat as is sold in Europe here in the US. But it didn't sell very well. It was too expensive and too small in the mid-size sedan segment. So they came up with a larger version with a better price point; and of course the size effects the mileage. [Americans are not nearly so concerned with mileage as Europeans are.]

Second, the way the US' EPA calculates mileage is different than the way the European equivalent does it. "The cycle is different," he said. The driving course and rigor set in the dynamometer is different. The fuel types used are different. The EPA estimates for diesel mileage tend to be lower than reality. For example, while the EPA says the Passat is 44 mpg, the Consumer Reports number comes in at 51 mpg.

"The number for the combined US cycle for the US Passat is 35 mpg, whereas the same powertrain in a European Passat gets 61.2 mpg on the Euro cycle."

Third, a US gallon (3.79 L) is less than an Imperial gallon (4.546 L).

Fourth, the US government doesn't stipulate to an automobile company what vehicles they can and cannot sell, other than setting the regulations for things like emissions, with which the manufacturers are required to comply.

Fifth, dealers are independent from VW and are not always aware of certain aspects of the auto business.

This explanation seems rational to me, and accounts for the seeming discrepancy in mileage between the US Passat and the European Passat.

wvjohn · Post by **wvjohn** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 6:07 pm

I talked to a guy last year who usually knows what he is talking about the fords. He said the ones in europe have slightly different emissions, and don't come with power everything. I imagine the variable speed transmissions also help.

that said, does anyone know for sure whether the EPA estimates are based on gas or gas+ethanol? If they are based on gas only, then you can subtract 5-10% off the top when burning mix.

Pugsley · Post by **Pugsley** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 7:21 pm

I have a 03 diesel beetle that has been averaging 48-52mpg. I agree with this guy that they need to loosen the diesel emissions just a tiny bit and we could all be driving more efficient cars.