WASHINGTON, D.C. — US President George Bush visited Volvo Group’s display at this week’s Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC) which showcased several alternative fuel-powered trucks.

Volvo Group CEO Leif Johansson provided Bush with a tour of the display, which featured both Mack and Volvo trucks.

“Each of the trucks seen by President Bush can be driven without any net contribution of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere,” said Johansson. “We are grateful for President Bush’s interest in our achievements and I shared with him Volvo’s long-term goal of providing advanced vehicles having a benign environmental footprint.”

Bush also gave a speech at the conference, in which he described an “Amazing joint venture with Mack and Volvo on these giant trucks that are using biodiesel to power them. Technology is changing,” continued the president. “Five years ago those trucks would not have been available for people at this exhibit to look at. Today they’re on the road. As a matter of fact, the US Air Force is using these kinds of trucks.”

Volvo Group has entered into a partnership with the US and Swedish governments which helps fund the development of alternative fuel vehicles. On display at WIREC were seven alternative fuel-powered trucks which are ready to be rolled out once the fuel becomes widely available. Truck News will carry a full report on the trucks and the fuels that power them in the May issue.

“Volvo has the technology and resources for carbon dioxide-neutral transports, but we cannot do it alone,” said Johansson. “By participating in this conference, we have had the opportunity to show the American President and the public that Volvo is doing what it can to move the technological future one step closer.”