The Volvo Group will be the world's first vehicle manufacturer to join the World Wide Fund for Nature's (WWF) Climate Savers Program.


As a WWF partner, the Volvo Group's truck companies will undertake to reduce the CO -emissions from vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2014 by 13 million tons. Independent technical experts will oversee the results.

"The partnership with WWF means that we are raising our already ambitious goals in relation to cutting the CO2-emissions of our products," said Volvo CEO Leif Johansson. "Our shared vision is that future transport will be CO2-neutral. It won't be easy, but if anyone can do it - Volvo can."

The World Wild Fund for Nature is one of the world's largest environmental organizations. The WWF Climate Savers Program is mobilizing multinational companies to cut their emissions of CO2. The "Climate Savers" companies promise to reduce their CO2 emissions in accordance with an agreement between the WWF, the company and independent technical experts. The agreed goal must be more ambitious than what the company has planned before, and also means that the company will lead its own industry in the reduction of greenhouse gases.

The agreement between The Volvo Group and WWF will apply for the Volvo Group's truck companies: Mack Trucks, Volvo Trucks, Renault Trucks, and UD Trucks, and states that:

* The total amount of CO2 emitted during their lifetime by trucks manufactured and sold between 2009 and 2014 will be cut by 13 million tons compared with 2008 models by introduction of cutting edge fuel economy technologies. The amount equals the total amount that is being emitted from Sweden in three months.

* Volvo will produce a truck prototype with 20 percent lower fuel consumption than the equivalent 2008 model.

* Volvo will be able to offer trucks in the commercial market that run on renewable gas before 2014.

* The Volvo Group will also reduce CO2 emissions from its production plants by 0.5 million tons (12 percent) before 2014, compared with 2008.

Independent technical experts will annually monitor and oversee that the Volvo Group complies with its undertaking.

"This is the first time we've engaged an outside party - in this case, the world's largest environmental organization - to oversee that we deliver what we've promised. That is unique for a global vehicle manufacturer," Johansson said.

The Volvo Group works constantly to reduce the CO2-emissions of its products and production units, work that includes technologies for increasing fuel efficiency and finding alternative fuels. Major resources are invested in developing alternative drive lines, such as hybrid solutions and engines that are optimized for renewable fuels.

In 2007, the Volvo Group presented the world's first CO2-neutral vehicle plant in Ghent in Belgium with wind-generated electricity. The long-term ambition is that all plants will be CO2-neutral.