Volkswagen has been conducting detailed dismantling inspections on its own vehicles for many years. The findings of these inspections are used in new vehicle projects to continually enhance the dismantling and re-utilisation properties of our cars.

Here are just a few examples of how such enhancements are achieved through the intelligent use of a variety of materials and techniques:

• Replacing adhesives with insert links on large surfaces (e.g. noise insulation of the bulkhead).
• Using standardised plastics (luggage compartment lining and panelling made of PP modifications).
• Easily accessible and easily separable connecting elements (instrument panel).
• Reduced usage of PVC (introduction of underbody liners).
• Minimised usage of antidrum (Vibration damping) sheeting through acoustic optimisation.

Even in the early phases of construction, our engineers join forces with Volkswagen suppliers to devise recycling concepts for components and assembly groups. This is an important step towards further improving the dismantling properties and recyclability of our vehicles – especially in the face of mounting demands on new cars, most notably in areas such as comfort, safety and fuel economy.