Volvo Group gets $19 million for ‘SuperTruck’ R&D

The Trucker News Services

8/15/2011

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Under a SuperTruck contract established with the U.S. Department of Energy, Volvo Technology of America Inc. is scheduled to receive $19 million in federal funding to be used by the Volvo Group’s North American truck-related operations to improve the freight-moving efficiency of heavy-duty trucks and reduce greenhouse gases. Volvo Group makes Volvo and Mack trucks in the U.S.

Researchers and engineers in Greensboro, N.C. and Hagerstown, Md. will spend the next five years developing high-efficiency heavy-duty truck technologies aimed at moving more freight with less fuel, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Improved truck aerodynamics and energy conversion efficiency — maximizing the output potential of the energy source — are two areas that hold great promise for Class 8 efficiency gains.

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“We are delighted to receive this SuperTruck award that builds upon an already strong relationship with the U.S. Department of Energy,” said Ron Huibers, Volvo Trucks senior vice president, sales and marketing. “Freight transportation plays a vital role in our daily lives and the strength of our nation, so it’s essential that we step up our efforts to create the best, most efficient heavy-duty truck solutions possible. This public-private partnership is an important step forward as we continue to expand our technology leadership.”

Volvo’s North American truck and powertrain operations have been participating in other DOE- funded heavy vehicle fuel efficiency efforts as well, the company noted. Being an integrated manufacturer also improves the efficacy of product development and allows Volvo to optimize solutions across product platforms.

“Integrated proprietary components provide superior performance because they’re specifically designed to work together,” said Kevin Flaherty, Mack senior vice president, U.S. and Canada. “Our EPA 2010 solution is a good example. The intelligent integration of the Mack MP series engines and Mack ClearTech SCR system delivers maximum fuel efficiency and near-zero regulated emissions. We look forward to bringing this kind of expertise to the SuperTruck table.”

Environmental care, along with quality and safety, are longstanding Volvo core values.

The transport and fuel efficiency improvements under SuperTruck will be developed in cooperation with university and supplier partners.

Kevin Jones of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at kevinj@thetrucker.com.

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