Volvo’s name has been discussed in automotive circles quite a bit lately. Ford Motor, the owner of Volvo, is considering selling the Volvo unit amidst its financial woes. The likely buyers are China-based Changan Automobile Group. Ford is not saying anything definitive on the prospect so it is just business as usual at Volvo.

Today’s business as usual comes in the form of an announcement by Volvo Trucks that they will provide four hybrid waste trucks for use by Veolia Proprete in the fall of 2009. The trucks will be put to use in London and Paris.

“The hybrid trucks have both a diesel engine and an electric motor and each power source can be used separately or in combination with the other. Since the electric motor is used when the vehicle is idling and for acceleration, fuel consumption can be cut by 15-20 per cent. With the addition of an extra battery featuring a plug-in recharging facility to power the ancillaries, the hybrid refuse trucks can cut a further 10-15 per cent off their fuel consumption figures, giving a total fuel reduction of up to 30 per cent. “(Source: Newspress)

Saab, Volvo and representatives from other automobile and supply companies will be meeting in Sweden to discuss how to strengthen the country’s relationship with the auto industry.

“Sweden spearheads research in hybrid technology for plug-in hybrid vehicles. Over a five-year period, some $40 million will be invested in a joint venture between Volvo, SAAB, energy company Vattenfall, the Swedish State and the Swedish Energy Agency to develop next-generation plug-in hybrid vehicles that will reduce fuel consumption and emissions.” (Source: PR Newswire)

The country wants to be the driving force behind the creation of more green and efficient vehicles. In addition to looking at the efficiency of vehicles, the country would like to continue with its stringent safety regulations and look at new technology that improves data on road conditions.

Volvo is helping Thailand in working toward the country’s goal of energy independence; the auto manufacturer as just released the Volvo S80 and Volvo C30 flexifuel models in the country. These flexifuel vehicles, often called flexfuel here in the United States, will run on the E85 ethanol blend.

Dr.Wannarat Charnnukul, Minister of Energy, said “The government holds as a main policy to promote the use of alternative energy no matter what change happens to the oil price. The higher mixture of ethanol in gasoline would reduce the country’s reliance on crude oil imports and reduce the cost of living. It would also strengthen the country’s long-term energy security and economy. Over the past several months, we have deeply appreciated the friendly cooperation from Volvo in supporting the government’s energy policy. I think Volvo S80 2.5 FT will be another compelling choice for Thai motorists.” (Source: Volvo Cars Newsroom)

Here is some more exciting Paris Motor Show news for our European readers; Volvo will be showing their new, greener models featuring the 1.6D DRIVe technology. The C30, S40 and V50 will be available in 2009 across Europe with the cleaner DRIVe system. Fuel consumption on the C30 will be 4.4 liters/100 km and 4.5 liters/100km on the S40 and V50. The 1.6D DRIVe meets the European NEDC standard.

From the September 9, 2008 Volvo Press Release:

“Reducing fuel consumption and dropping below the 120 g/km CO2 emission level offers a range of benefits, both for the environment and the buyer’s economy. With lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, these cars reduce the net contribution to global warming. All new diesel models from Volvo are also fitted with a maintenance-free particle filter that traps about 95 percent of all soot particles.

With the cars’ good environmental performance, the driver can count on various financial incentives in the form of subsidies in the 13 European markets that have implemented a CO2-based vehicle taxation system, for instance with a “green grant” that is paid to the owner, lower road tax, registration tax exemption or other similar forms of financial encouragement.

Rising fuel prices also make our 1.6D DRIVe offer very attractive. The fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.5 l/100 km and is as low as 3.7 l/100 km at highway speeds.”