Volvo plans to release 'micro-hybrid' in 2011
Volvo is keen to cast itself as an environmentally-friendly car-maker capable of meeting upcoming emissions legislation and able to meet future buyer demands for more fuel-efficient vehicles.
While it has been slower than some rivals to produce super-efficient cars - its vehicles are relatively heavy, due to the high levels of safety equipment and focus on crash protection - but it is now working on a whole series of new models, and modifications to existing models, to bring down its overall fuel consumption and emissions.
First up are the so-called DRIVe C30, S40 and V50, with enhanced aerodynamics, revised gear ratios and a version of the 1.6-litre diesel engine tweaked to emit less than 120g/km of carbon dioxide.
These replace the previous 1.6 diesels and are on sale now - and Volvo intends to get these models emitting less than 100g/km within a few years.
DRIVe models will be added to other Volvo ranges; there will be an S60 emitting less than 120g/km by 2011, says Volvo, an S80 emitting less than 130g/km and an XC60 emitting less than 140g/km.
A micro-hybrid will join the range in 2011. It will be available with both petrol and diesel engines and manual or automatic transmissions. This comprises a stop-start system plus brake energy regeneration, and promises overall fuel savings of up to 5% but greater benefits in urban driving.
A full hybrid - capable of electric-only propulsion - will be available with the D5 diesel engine from 2012, giving fuel savings of up to 15%; a range-extended plug-in hybrid (as previewed by the ReCharge concept) said to be capable of over 60 miles in electric-only mode comes later.
Before the hybrids, however, come a new series of direct-injection petrol engines. Badged GTDi (Gas Turbine Direct Injection), these promise five-cylinder performance from four-cylinder engines, with fuel savings and emissions lowered by up to 30%. These will be introduced next year.
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