52 Years of Environmental Awareness: Where did it Start?

               
52 Years of Environmental Awareness: Where did it Start?

52 years ago, Volvo began its journey on becoming one of the most environmentally friendly car companies in the industry. Not only where they focused on safety, but also how they could make their vehicles better overall for customers. This meant: Durability and Sustainability. How did they start to get to where they are now? 

 Lets go back 20 years ago, when the seeds for our green reputation where planted. In the 1970's, the state of California issued new emission standards for vehicles much higher than those already in place. Car companies everywhere panicked in fear they could not reach those standards, while Volvo was already ahead. When Volvo introduced the 240 model, it "far exceeded the impossible" emission standards, and increased its gas mileage by 5% by doing so. How did they make this possible? They invented the  familiar Lambda Sond system, which is an emission control system that measures oxygen in exhaust gases, and adjusts the fuel injection. These are found in almost all cars today. 

Volvo manufacturers want to make their vehicles as environmentally friendly as possible in every way. In the 1970's, the  "life cycle analysis" plan came into play, meaning manufacturers examined everything from raw materials, to production techniques and ways to recycle scrap. Volvo even joined with Sweden in opening a recycling facility for all left over scrap to be used in the Next process.  Currently, we can recycle 75%  of our vehicles. In addition, Volvo has a database of over 4,500 chemical products, allowing manufacturers to make more responsible environmental decisions when making their vehicles. 

In 1992, Volvo started their first ever project on what would be their inspiration for the Volvo Hybrid, and Volvo Fully-Electric vehicle in the future. They named it the Environmental Concept Car (ECC). For short commutes, the ECC could run purely on batteries, making it zero emissions! For longer drives, the vehicle combined a gas turbine with a high speed generator to power the batteries. Sound familiar?  Ever heard of the "duel fuel" vehicle Volvo produced? The vehicle was 2.3 liter, 4 cylinder, and could be run on standard gasoline or methane fuel. When running on methane, the duel fuel complied with the California's Low Emission Vehicle Standard. The vehicle could also run on biogas, which can be recycled from landfills. 

In 1995, Volvo was named the "Best of the Best Supply Chain Management Practitioners" by the consulting firm of Arthur D. Little. 

In present day, Volvo has not only successfully created a Mild and Plug-in Hybrid, they also reached their goal of manufacturing a Fully Electric vehicle! It is amazing how far Volvo has gotten over the course of 52 years. Not only have they conquered their goals of creating more environmentally friendly vehicles, Volvo also plans to be completely carbon neutral by 2040. With the process they are making, we believe they can achieve this goal sooner. 

To learn more please visit Volvo's website on going green, at:  Volvo Sustainability Mission




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