The Volvo Group and its subsidiary Mack Trucks Inc., are participating in joint environmental program with the governments of the United States and Sweden aimed at reducing consumption of fossil fuel by focusing on projects
within the areas of energy and vehicle development.
The project is to be cost-shared between the Volvo Group, of which Mack is a part, and DOE, and the combined investment is expected to be in the range of $9 million.
For Volvo, it would involve producing powertrains based on alternative fuels suitable for heavy vehicles. The cooperation is a result of a research and development agreement signed by the two governments. The Volvo Group will be a cooperation partner in a number of projects conducted under this agreement.
The projects include the development of hybrid technology for heavy vehicles and analyses of how various biofuels impact on diesel engines, with the aim of further improving fuel economy and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.
Jan-Eric Sundgren, a member of Volvo Group executive committee, said, "This means that we can implement a number of projects within the environmental area that would otherwise have not been possible. We hope that our participation will lead to more cooperation aimed at sustainable development
Mack Trucks President and CEO Paul L. Vikner said the project has an initial goal of reducing fuel consumption and primary CO2 emissions from heavy-duty trucks by more than 10 percent. "These cooperative ventures are absolutely critical," Vikner said. "Governments, companies and universities must work together to ensure the successful development and commercialization of environmentally friendly technologies."
As part of the project, Mack will investigate the reduction of CO2 emissions from heavy-duty trucks through a focus on very high fuel economy. This will include advanced hybrid technologies and conversion of exhaust heat, which would otherwise be wasted, to useful energy. The project's other main goal is optimized use of biofuels in diesel engines and evaluation of the characteristics of several bio-based alternative diesel fuels.