• The work of phasing out CFC from plastics and as a coolant from air conditioning systems started back in the 1980's at Volvo. In 1991, the Volvo 850 went on the market as the first CFC-free car in series production. Needless to say, the Volvo S80 is not only free from CFC but also from mercury, asbestos and cadmium.
• The Volvo S80 is the first car on the market to have all its interior fabrics, not just the upholstery materials, Oko-Tex certified. This standard controls the presence of substances that may be allergenic or harmful to the health and only grants certification to materials which comply with its requirements.
• During the operational phase of the car, which lasts for perhaps 15 to 20 years, it is important not only to keep all the emissions to a minimum but also to minimize the emission of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, fuel consumption and so on.
• The use of aluminum in engines not only reduces weight but also helps to cut fuel consumption, together with highly efficient combustion and state-of-the-art engine management.
• In some variants, fuel consumption has been reduced by up to seven per cent, thanks to the new generation of engines, good aerodynamics and low roll resistance (CD 0.28).
• This is part of Volvo's undertaking to reduce fuel consumption in Volvo cars by an average of 25 per cent by the year 2005.
• Emissions of hydrocarbons from the fuel system when the car is stationary are effectively dealt with and fed back to the engine using evaporation control- the EVAP system.
• The Volvo S80 has in fact been designed for re-use when it is produced in order to save raw materials and make the best possible use of plastics, metals, rubber, fabrics and so on. The sources of raw materials are limited and it is both possible and necessary for used materials to be used again. The technology is there - and Volvo is using it.
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