"EU Directive 2005/64/EC on the type approval of motor vehicles with regard to their reusability, recyclability and recoverability" will take effect in mid-2010 for all new vehicles. At this time, new vehicles must be at least 85 percent recyclable and be up to 95 percent recoverable.

The figure of 85 percent refers to the degree to which the recycled materials are returned to the production process. A further 10 percent of the vehicle is used for energy generation.

As confirmed by Technische Dienst TÜV SÜD Automotive GmbH and the Federal Motor Vehicle Registration Agency, Audi already meets these
requirements. All models sold by the brand with the four rings already meet the directive's tough recycling standards.

Protecting the environment during the development and production of vehicles is immensely important at Audi. As soon as the development of a new vehicle starts, its developers work to ensure that it will be recoverable at the end of its useful life. During the development process, every model is put through exhaustive recycling tests and material analyses prior to its market launch.

"Audi recognised early on that knowing precisely what materials have gone into a vehicle is vitally important for its recycling," said Uwe Heil, the man responsible for Recycling within Audi's Technical Development Division.

"Because of the growing volume of data and the complexity of the recycling issue, we began researching a vehicle recycling database as early as 2000. It now ranks as the benchmark in the car industry," added Heil.

To meet the EU directive, the manufacturer has to put itself forward for double scrutiny. The preliminary examination involves checking the processes. It investigates whether the necessary arrangements for implementing the requirements have been made.

For example, measures for implementing recycling requirements, compliance with prohibitions on the use of heavy metals and the identification of polymers and elastomers are checked. The Audi Group, with its production operations at AUDI AG, quattro GmbH and AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft., received a glowing report in every single area.

Audi also demonstrates huge commitment in the field of reprocessing technology, which permits the recovery of valuable secondary raw materials. The "VW-SiCon process" generates user-oriented flows of materials by means of mechanical processing