Volvo has become the first vehicle maker to join the WWF’s Climate Savers Programme as part of efforts to reduce CO2 emissions.
As a partner in the programme, Volvo Group’s truck divisions will commit to reduce CO2 emissions from vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2014 by 13 million tonnes.
The agreement will cover Mack, Volvo, Renault and UD truck divisions and will introduce fuel economy technologies to cut emissions compared with 2008 models.
The company plans to produce a prototype truck that uses 20% less fuel than an equivalent 2008 model, as well as a model that runs on renewable gas.
Volvo says it will also reduce CO2 emissions from its production plant by 12% (0.5 million tonnes) compared with 2008 by 2014.
Independent technical experts will monitor Volvo’s progress towards its targets annually.
“This is the first time we’ve engaged an outside party to oversee that we deliver what we’ve promised. That is unique for a global vehicle manufacturer,” says Volvo’s CEO Leif Johansson.
“The partnership with WWF means that we are raising our already ambitious goals,” he goes on. “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 WWF programme aims to sign up multinationals, which agree to commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions according to a joint agreement. IBM, Nike, Sony, HP and Coca Cola among others have already signed up.