Volvo partners with US agency to offer green tractors

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GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America has partnered with the US Environmental Protection Agency to develop a comprehensive package of vehicle components for the Volvo VN to deliver high fuel efficiency and low emissions.

The partnership is part of EPAs new SmartWay tractor program and trucks ordered with this set of components are eligible to receive EPAs SmartWay Tractor designation.

Volvos partnership with EPA in the SmartWay program grows from our core value of environmental care, which influences virtually everything we do at Volvo, said Peter Karlsten, Volvos president and CEO. Our new family of US 07 engines delivers excellent fuel economy, with very low emissions. Volvos sophisticated aerodynamics further reduces fuel consumption.

The components required for the SmartWay-eligible designation reduce fuel consumption and minimize emissions, include engines certified to the new US 07 emissions standards; enhancements to reduce wind resistance, including integrated high roof fairings, fuel tank side fairings, side fairing gap reducers, aerodynamic bumpers and aerodynamic mirrors; anti-idling options; low-rolling resistance tires; and tractors meeting these specs can have a special SmartWay decal displayed inside the cab.

EPA has developed a similar program for manufacturers of trailers. The agency estimates that more than one million barrels of oil would be saved if 30% of the trucks and trailers sold industry-wide in 2007 were SmartWay tractor-trailer combinations.

Beginning later in the second quarter, Volvo customers will be able to specify a SmartWay-eligible tractor component package when ordering their trucks. The required components will be specially identified in Volvos truck ordering system so carriers participating in the SmartWay program can ensure their new trucks qualify for EPAs public designation.

The SmartWay tractor-trailer is a component of EPAs SmartWay Transport Partnership, a comprehensive public-private program designed to improve the transportation industrys fuel efficiency and reduce its emissions.

SmartWay also provides public recognition for companies that meet its challenging standards. Volvo has been a member of the SmartWay Transport Partnership since 2003 through Volvo Logistics North America.

More information on the SmartWay Transportation Partnership is available at www.epa.gov/smartway.

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