From: VW autoassist <mailto:vw.autoassist@internationalsos.com>
To: PRIVATE
Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 4:55 AM
Subject: RE: Biofuel use in Golf TDI (Reply from Volkswagen Australia)
Dear XXXX,
Re: Use of Bio Fuels,
Thank you once again for taking the time to contact us here at Volkswagen Australia, via our website, we appreciate it.
I understand that you are intending to or are interested in using Bio Diesel in your new Golf Tdi. I do commend you on your enquiry and do believe that in the future this kind of fuel will become more popular and thus a means of saving our oil reserves and keeping costs down.
I can advise you that whilst in Europe some of the latest range of Volkswagen Diesel engines are able to run on bio diesel as at time of purchase they are ordered as such, the vehicles sold here in Australia have not been built to do so. As there is is no current legislation regarding controls to the quality or Cetane ratings of this fuel Volkswagen is unable to recommend or condone its use and therefore the vehicles have not been built with the modifications to use Bio Fuel.
For use with Bio Diesel fuels the vehicles ideally need to be fitted with fuel heating devices and filters to enable them to run on Bio fuels. Therefore at time of ordering the intention to use Bio Fuel is indicated and the vehicles are manufactured with these additions as required when the order is placed.
Use of Bio Diesel fuel which may not be of an acceptable quality level, may as you have indicated, cause damage to the vehicle's fuel systems. If any such damage to the vehicles fuel system or to the engine is deemed to have been caused as a result of the use of Bio Diesel then it may not be covered under warranty.
If the situation changes and the regulations pertaining to the quality of these fuels is controlled then rest assured that Volkswagen Australia will then undergo long term testing and then review its policy. As to this point this is not the case we are therefore unable to condone the use of Bio Fuels.
I trust this has answered your questions and if you require any additional information relating to this enquiry please feel free to contact our customer assistance department on 02 9695 6000.
Kind Regards
Volkswagen Auto Assist