Volkswagen wants zero fossil-fuel future

• VW researching new fuel technologies
• New prototypes and production models unveiled
• Cars include biofuel Beetle and fuel-cell Touran

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Volkswagen has revealed a host of future environmentally friendly cars this week.

The German company says it is committed to research that should lead to mass production of cleaner, greener vehicles. Currently, it is working on hybrid and fuel-cell technology, and gas- and biofuel-powered cars.

In a document called 'Driving the Future, Volkswagen Engines - Today, Tomorrow and Beyond' the company said: 'There is one goal: independence from fossil-based resources.'

To make this possible, the company has also unveiled a group of prototypes and production models that have low or zero carbon dioxide emissions.

Part of the range includes a gas-powered Touran that reduces nitrogen oxides by 80% and hydrocarbons by 73%, and the Polo BlueMotion, which delivers 72.4mpg and only 102g/km of carbon dioxide. Both models are on sale in the Continent, with the BlueMotion set to go on sale in the UK next year.

VW also showed off a Beetle Convertible running on biofuel. This fuel is derived from waste such as forest or industrial wood waste, animal waste or from crops that mature very quickly.

A natural gas-powered Passat, a petrol/electric hybrid Touran, a fuel-cell Touran and a Touran using both petrol and diesel engine technology called the 'Combined Combustion System' have also been unveiled.