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[VW to fleet test Twin Drive Golf plug-in hybrid concept in 2010/Autoblog]より引用:
The Twin Drive is a plug-in electric hybrid that uses a powerful 82-hp electric motor and a 2.0L turbodiesel producing 122 hp. The electric motor is fed energy from a pack of lithium-ion batteries that can sustain the car's mobility for about 50 kilometers or 31 miles, after which the diesel engine will take over propulsion duties. While we do know the Twin Drive also features start-stop technology and regenerative brakes, we're still a bit unclear on how everything works. From the way it's been described in the news and VW's somewhat vague press release that we've translated from German, the gas and electric motors are completely isolated, with one unable to provide the other assistance under heavy loads like in the Prius or a typical parallel hybrid. At the same time, the Twin Drive Golf doesn't sound like a series hybrid in the same vein as the Chevy Volt, as the gas engine (or diesel in this case) is directly connected to the drive wheels. In other words, the engine onboard is not simply a range-extending generator supplying power to recharge the batteries like in the Volt. What the Twin Drive appears to be is a plug-in hybrid with a very robust electric drivetrain that's forced to drag around an internal combustion engine in case it gets too far away from home. Regardless, when we find out exactly how Twin Drive works, we'll let you know.
Volkswagen is developing the Twin Drive system with eight German partners and is planning a trial fleet of 20 Golfs outfitted with the system in 2010. The German government is along for the ride, and for a good bit of green PR, VW promises the the electricity used to charge the fleet of test vehicles will be generated from renewable sources like wind and solar power.

[メルセデスベンツ、7年以内に石油で動く自動車を全廃予定/GIGAZINE]より引用:
この計画によると現在のエンジンを順次、ハイブリッド、電気自動車、そして水素を燃料とするエンジンに変えていく予定になっており、次の10年間の間に開発を行うとのこと。しかしその第一弾は既に今年の10月に売りに出される新しいAおよびBクラスのモデルで「Start/Stop」テクノロジーとして採用されており、この技術を使うと赤信号で止まる度にエンジンが停止、ブレーキペダルから足を上げると再びエンジンが動き出すようになっているとのこと。これによって9％以内の燃料効率改善が期待できるそうです。
今年の後半にはさらに燃料消費を改善したモデルを準備しており、燃料消費を従来よりも12％縮小することができるとのこと。そして、2010年頃には電気自動車を市場に投入し、さらに将来的にはゼロ・エミッション（排出ゼロ）の燃料電池車を予定しているそうです。これは電気と水素のみを利用し、今後数ヶ月以内にプロトタイプBクラスに入る準備ができているとのこと。

[Audi Announces New Valvelift System/WorldCarFans]より引用:
After six years of development Audi has revealed the Audi Valvelift System (AVS). Now available on the direct-injection 2.8 and 3.2-liter V6-FSI engines, the system takes variable valve timing to the next level resulting in smooth power build-up, spontaneous throttle response and most importantly, reduced fuel consumption by up to seven percent.
Based on the existing variable valve timing system which permits the valve opening and closing times to be varied, the Audi valvelift system now achieves the next step – variable control of the valve lift, thus influencing the cross-section of the intake duct.
For example, under partial engine load, variable valve lift can be 2.0 mm or 5.7 mm. However, under heavy load conditions the inlet valves can lift completely open to 11.0 mm – ideal for high charge volumes and flow speeds in the combustion chamber. The ability to asymmetrically control valve lift causes the charge air to flow into the combustion chamber spirally and cylindrically, also known as “drumble”. Ultimately, the aim is to open and close the valves in such a way that the correct charge of air is always drawn into the cylinders.
With an operational range of 700 to 4000 rpm the greatest potential for fuel savings is achieved at constant speeds in the mid-range, however, the AVS is capable of handling up to 7000 rpm. Future development of AVS will include the complete shutdown of individual cylinders. 

[New Beetle Variants Coming?/WorldCarFans]より引用:

The Volkswagen New Beetle was first launched 10 years a go and word is a foot that the German's a working on a successor which could be launched sometime in 2011. Currently the model is available in just coupe and convertible body styles, but sources over at channel4 have reported we could yet see more variants added to the range with an SUV and Speedster models being considered.

We first caught sight of an SUV variant back in 2000 when  Volkswagen unveiled the Beetle Dune Concept which would be well placed to compete in the compact SUV market. Clearly due to this concept being eight years old, it is unlikely the it would bear much resemblance to the possible new model but it does at least gives us some visual interpretation of what it may look like.

More recently at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show VW showcased the Beetle Ragster concept, the study got its name by combining Ragtop and Speedster which very much describes what this concept was all about, although should the speedster variant make it to production we would likely see a lower-slung, more cutaway body style.

The new generation VW New Beetle will be based on the about to be replaced Mk5 Golf platform with styling to be heavily influenced by the Up! and Space Up! Concepts. When the model is launched production is likely to stay at the construction facility in Puebla, Mexico, according to CEO Martin Winterkorn.