Volvo Group Emphasizes Need for Sustainable Solutions to Reduce Environmental Footprint

MIAMI, May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to encourage dialogue and action and to continue in its commitment toward reducing its environmental impact, the Volvo Group recently hosted two sustainability-related seminars during the Volvo Ocean Race stopover in Miami.

The Volvo Group's vision is to become the world leader in sustainable transport solutions by continuously introducing safer and more efficient products and pioneering solutions. Part of Volvo Group's sustainability commitment includes raising awareness about environmental issues.

"Environmental care is one of the Volvo Group's core values," said Olof Persson, president and CEO of the Volvo Group. "Sustainability is critical to reducing the negative impact on the environment, but we must broaden its scope to include the economic and social point of view. I envision a transportation system that enables high productivity through energy-efficient solutions that are safe and secure for people and goods."

"Mobility and Quality of Life in Megacities," was focused on transportation, infrastructure, environment and other challenges facing large urban areas. The second seminar, "Corporate Climate Summit 2012," presented in cooperation with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), fostered dialogue among business leaders about innovative strategies for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promoting climate protection.   

Persson delivered the keynote address during the Corporate Climate Summit, followed by Ralph Reid, vice president of Corporate Responsibility at Sprint.

"We must close the gap between existing efforts to tackle climate change and what's needed for a safer future," said Lou Leonard, managing director of climate change at WWF. "WWF applauds Volvo for stepping forward to reduce its carbon emissions and help make our communities safer and healthier by preparing for the impacts from a changing climate."

The Volvo Group was the world's first automotive manufacturer to join Climate Savers, the WWF program that engages multinational companies to establish ambitious targets and voluntarily reduce their emissions. A recent report stated that Climate Savers companies have collectively cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 100 million metric tons since 1999. Volvo Group committed to reducing the total amount of CO2 emitted during the lifetime of trucks manufactured and sold from 2009 to 2014 by 13 million tons compared with trucks manufactured in 2008. This agreement was expanded in January 2012 to include Volvo Construction Equipment and Volvo Buses.

"Reducing emissions often results in improved efficiencies and cost savings, which provide economic and environmental benefits," Persson said. "Our climate change challenge is significant. We hope more companies will commit to follow the leadership of those represented here today."

During the Mobility and Quality of Life in Megacities seminar, Enrique Penalosa, former mayor of Bogota, Colombia and board president of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, provided the keynote address, followed by Jack Osterholt, deputy Mayor of Miami-Dade County. 

"Miami-Dade County is grateful to Volvo for bringing these important seminars to the Miami-Dade community," said Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. "Moving goods and people efficiently contributes to our sustainability goals, building our local economy and improving the quality of life for our residents." 

"The number of megacities around the world grappling with congestion, noise and pollution is growly rapidly," said Tore Backstrom, senior vice president of Volvo Buses. "Volvo is committed to help these megacities find solutions to these challenges. Telematics, electromobility and greater use of well-to-wheel efficient renewable fuels will all contribute to a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions." 

Earlier this year, Volvo Group expanded its climate savers commitment with WWF to include Volvo Buses and Volvo Construction Equipment. Under this commitment, Volvo Buses will expand the number of field tests with plug-in hybrid buses.

The events were conducted in conjunction with the Volvo Ocean Race – the "Mount Everest of Sailing" and one of the most demanding team sporting events in the world. Miami is the only North American stopover during this race between 10 ports covering 39,000 nautical miles. 

The Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications, aerospace components and services, and one of the world's leading producers of heavy-diesel engines (9-16 liter). The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. The Volvo Group, which employs almost 118,000 people, has production facilities in 19 countries and sells their products in more than 180 markets. Volvo Group sales for 2011 amounted to nearly $47.8 billion. The Volvo Group is a publicly-held company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo Shares are listed on Nasdaq OMX Nordic Exchange and are traded OTC in the U.S.

For further information, please contact John Mies, phone 336-393-4300, email [email protected]

SOURCE Volvo Group