- By Jeremy Allston
- Published 01/30/2012
Volvo Cars’ vision is to develop environmental cars that are entirely free from harmful exhaust emissions and environment-impacting carbon dioxide. This vision is called “DRIVe Towards Zero” and steps are continuously taken to reach that vision. In 2009 alone, Volvo introduced seven high-efficiency diesel DRIVe models with very low CO2 emissions and the company’s ambitious electrification strategy promises that plug-in hybrids will be on the market as early as 2012.
The company continues to prioritise its focus on advanced green technology. Between the years 2006 and 2014 Volvo will be investing SEK 15 billion in research and development with the aim of reducing the fuel consumption and environmental emissions of its cars.
“We already have a wide range of models with extremely competitive CO2 emissions. It is our aim that by 2020, the average emissions from our models will be between 90-100g CO2 per kilometer and that we should lead the market in the environmental field. Electrification is an important part of the paradigm shift to significantly reduce CO2 emissions,” says Paul Gustavsson, Director of Electrification Strategy at Volvo Cars.
Volvo’s environmental dedication dates back to the 1970s and encompasses the car’s entire lifecycle, from design, construction and production to use, servicing and recycling. The main focus is on efficient energy and resource utilisation, reduced emissions and non-allergenic car interiors.
2008 saw the introduction of the DRIVe badge, a collective symbol for Volvo Cars’ dedication to greener motoring. The symbol reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility and zero emissions and a promise of constant improvement.
“Here at Volvo, we do not feel that there is any single route to sustainable mobility. For one thing, local conditions vary considerably as regards to biofuels and the necessary infrastructure and we are seeing a steady stream of exciting new technological advances in fields such as electrification, which change these conditions,” says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.
“We maintain an open and proactive approach to various development tracks and technologies – so we can quickly and cost-effectively commercialise products with the minimum possible climate impact,” clarifies Magnus Jonsson.
About the Author: Jeremy Allston is a fan of environmental cars.
