Volvo's care for the environment is a logical extension of Volvo's care for people. We continually explore ways to lessen our impact on the environment. We've established rating systems and control tools that help us assess the environmental impact of our design and production decisions. And we diligently train employees to put sensitivity toward the environment in everything we do.

Volvo Environmental Milestones

1972 - First automaker to declare environmental commitment at the United Nations Conference on the Environment.

1976 - Volvo unveils first 3-way catalytic converter to eliminate 95% of harmful emissions.

1983 - Volvo introduces an environmental policy.

1987 - Volvo introduces chemical purification system at Torslanda.

1989 - Volvo introduces environmental audits at production sites.

1989 - Volvo facilitates recycling segregation by marking plastic parts.

1990 - All new Volvos are asbestos-free.

1991 - Volvo opens an effective waterborne paint system at the Torslanda paint shop.

1992 - Volvo introduces Environmental Concept Car.

1993 - Volvo introduces R134A retrofit kit and receives Ozone Protection Award from the EPA.

1996 - Volvo introduces test fleet of Bi-Fuel (methane and gasoline) cars in the USA.

1997 - Volvo introduces environmental training program for employees at Volvo Cars of North America.

1998 - Volvo introduces the world's first third party certified Environmental Product Declaration.

1999 - Volvo introduces ozone conversion radiator, PremAir®.

1999 - Volvo adds used parts to an exchange program.

2000 - Volvo Cars of North America Headquarters is certified according to the international environmental standard ISO 14001.

2000 - ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) engines become available worldwide.

2001 - Volvo Cars of North America - all units - is certified according to the international environmental standard ISO 14001.

2002 - Volvo presents the Volvo XC90, recognized for its performance in both emissions and fuel economy, which are factors important for the environment.

2002 - Volvo meets tough emission standard, PZEV (Partial Zero Emission Vehicle), with Volvo V70 and S60 2.4 liter, five-cylinder engines.

2003 - Volvo Environmental Product Declaration available on-line at www.volvocars.com/EPI.

2003 - The Volvo S40 five-cylinder engine meets ULEV II, an emission standard for the future; Volvo offers this technology for tailpipe emissions worldwide on the new five-cylinder engines.

2003 - The 2004 Volvo S60 and V70 receive U.S. EPA's highest ratings for emissions control PZEV engines.

2003 - Volvo Ambient Air cleaner debuts in the Volvo Versatility Concept Car - removes hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides from the air outside the car.

2004 - Volvo launches the first V8 engine to meet ULEV II emission standard.