Eco-friendly mobility has always been one of Volvo Car Corporation's core objectives. By driving,
we're all contributing to the growing problem of CO2 emissions and global warming. But by taking advantage of trees and their unique ability to
absorb damaging CO2, we can also do our bit to help. The average tree has the power to absorb as much as 18kg of CO2 in a year. Locally, V
olvo Car South Africa is harnessing this power, striving to plant a set of trees for every vehicle sold – which is why we introduced the Greenforblue project.
The project was launched in partnership with Sappi, and since 2008 trees have been planted and nurtured – never harvested – and will grow
for 100 years or more. It's an environmentally conscious initiative that begins with you and our owners, as since the launch of the project,
customers have had the opportunity to reduce their Volvo's carbon footprint by buying a set of trees.
To arrive at the correct number of trees per vehicle is not simple, but a reasonably accurate calculation can be made for
the number of trees per model range to achieve this goal, also referred to as "carbon sequestration". Sappi has calculated that on average, one tree
will offset or convert about 18kg of CO2 per year. The average production of CO2 by a Volvo XC90 over 100 000km (on average 5 years worth of driving)
is 26 600kg. This requires 15 trees to be planted and grown for 100 years to capture the CO2 produced by an XC90 over 100 000km.
As far back as in the 70s, Volvo acknowledged the environmental downside of cars.
Since then, we haven't stopped developing and innovating to reduce the environmental impact of our cars, from product development and manufacturing,
right through to driving and recycling. That's why we support the development of
climate neutral electricity production, and why Volvo Cars manufacturing units in Europe
run on green electricity – either hydro or wind power. What's more, all new Volvo cars
are designed to be 85%* recyclable, and for 95% recoverability.
To learn more about Volvo's environmental achievements, please click here.
At Volvo, we don’t just design cars for the people that drive them, but for the people around them as well.
That’s why we’ve developed the Volvo DRIVE-E environmental programme. Using innovative powertrain technology together with advanced aerodynamics,
low-friction technology and lightweight materials, DRIVE-E is an important step in our journey towards zero emissions.
Already offering best-in-class CO2 levels and also specifically tailored for low rolling-resistance and reduced air drag, our innovative
DRIVE-E models are equipped with a conventional diesel engine and manual gearbox optimised for extra-low fuel consumption. To further
reduce CO2 emissions to as low as 104g/km, some of our DRIVE-E Volvos also feature an eco-progressive Start/Stop function that automatically
switches the engine off whenever the car comes to a standstill – without affecting the audio system or comfort levels in the cabin – limiting
exhaust emissions and reducing fuel consumption by up to 5% in mixed driving conditions and 10% in an urban environment.
This innovative system is made possible by a small additional battery that provides extra power to the larger battery.
Thanks to this extra battery, Volvo's DRIVE-E models also feature particularly quick, smooth start-up.
The Volvo V40 is the latest addition to the Volvo’s stable and will be available in South Africa in the last quarter of 2012.
With a fuel consumption of 3.6l per 100km and CO2 emissions of just 94g/km, the D2 diesel is the most efficient version. However, all engine and transmission variants come
standard with Volvo’s Start-Stop technology, as well as Regenerative Charging, which intelligently controls the alternator, charging the battery when it is
most economical, such as when braking. This recouped energy is then used to power electrical systems during less
efficient periods when there is a large drain on the battery.
With the new fully graphic instrument cluster, the driver can choose between three graphic
themes, namely Elegance, Eco and Performance. The Eco theme features an Eco meter that’s displayed on the
left-hand side of the instrument cluster, displaying the current and accumulated fuel consumption
figures and rewarding the driver with a green light when eco-driving is optimal.
The next step in our journey towards a brighter future,
Volvo Car Corporation and Swedish energy company Vattenfall have launched a joint
venture that saw plug-in hybrid vehicles (vehicles that use two or more distinct power
sources) that can be charged directly from a standard wall socket introduced in Europe during 2012.
Our most technically-advanced model ever – the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid – is also the world's
first diesel plug-in hybrid. An electric car, hybrid car and muscle-car all rolled into one, the V60 Plug-in
Hybrid is three cars in one, with three driving modes that give the car three entirely different temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.
In Pure Mode, the car is powered solely by its electric motor (as much as possible). If the battery pack has been recharged with electricity from renewable sources,
its range is up to 50km and its carbon dioxide emissions are zero. The electric range varies with terrain, climate and driving style. Hybrid Mode is the standard
setting whenever the car is started. Here, the diesel engine and electric motor cooperate to ensure optimal balance between driving pleasure and environmental
footprint, with CO2 emissions (NEDC, mixed driving cycle for certification) of 49g/km, corresponding to diesel consumption of 1.9l/100km. The car has a total
range of up to 1 200km. In Power Mode, the technology is optimised to give the car the maximum possible power. The diesel engine and electric motor have a
total power output of 158+52kW and maximum torque of 440+200Nm. The electric motor's lightning-quick torque delivery contributes to the car's acceleration
from 0 to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds. The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011, but will not be introduced locally until we
are sure that South Africa's electricity is clean.
Volvo's plug-in hybrid cars are driven by a powerful electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. The battery takes about five hours to charge and also
makes use of regenerative energy every time the car's brakes are applied. This ground-breaking technology not only
dramatically reduces the environmental impact of our cars, but makes them more fun to drive too. And because
at Volvo, we design cars for tomorrow as well as for today, you can be sure that our cars aren't the only things Designed Around You.
For more information on Volvo's commitment to Switch to Pure, please click here.
To stay in touch and keep up-to-date with Volvo's environmental initiatives, please click here.
If you can’t find an answer to your questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
In order for us to give you the best possible help please make sure that you get in touch with the correct person or department.
If you would like Volvo Car South Africa to contact you, please fill out the following form.
Commitment to the environment
If you have any questions about Greenforblue, contact
Chrizaan Nel cnel@volvocars.com or 0861 86586.
