VOLVO Cars is presenting a number of technical solutions to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, including the Volvo ReCharge Concept - a C30 with a unique plug-in hybrid system.

"The carbon dioxide issue has of course top priority. In order to deal effectively with the CO2 challenge, we must work with several different technological solutions that cover our entire model range. We are working towards a multi-energy society where several energy-efficient solutions interact to deal with the complex climate issues," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.

Multi-energy and energy efficiency The terms alternative fuels' and fuel consumption' are frequently used in the car industry however, when discussing the future, Volvo Cars prefers to go via multi-fuel' to the far broader terms multi-energy' and energy efficiency'.

"In order to more accurately judge the environmental effect of a new driveline, it is necessary to examine the entire chain from raw material extraction and fuel production to distribution and use in the car. For instance, if a lot of electricity produced by fossil fuels is needed to create a renewable fuel, this will not be CO2-efficient from a holistic perspective even if the emissions from the car's tailpipe are minimal," Fredrik Arp points out.

Holistic approach Volvo Cars applies a holistic view to driveline technology based on three cornerstones: Innovate - Intensive work on new hybrid technology plus continuous efficiency improvements to today's petrol- and diesel-powered cars.

Co-operate - Coordination with customers, politicians and other organisations is a precondition for sustainable transport. Volvo Cars is determined to influence initiatives and decisions outside the car industry.

Deliver - Customers in a growing number of European markets will soon have access to one of the automotive world's broadest Flexifuel ranges: five models, three different bioethanol engines.

"At present, bioethanol is the most attractive alternative when you consider availability, environmental effectiveness and cost-efficiency. However, what is regarded as most favourable today may be refined or converted to an even more sustainable solution tomorrow. As an innovative knowledge-based company, we are an active and constructive partner in the global and regional forums that evaluate emerging alternatives for the future. It is our responsibility to deliver the car technology that makes transitions possible," says Fredrik Arp.

Volvo Cars is ready for the challenge Using a systematic three-phase approach - innovation, testing and delivery - Volvo Cars aims to stimulate and promote the viability of technological solutions that are sustainable for the environment and for society in general - as well as being cost-effective.

"Few experts today question the significance of the CO2 issue. On the other hand, there are several views and methods for solving the problem in the short and long terms. Volvo Cars is ready to take the step into the multi-energy society that is being created. We understand the difficulties and we have the expertise and the innovative approach it takes to tackle both today's and tomorrow's environmental challenges," says Fredrik Arp.