The Volvo Group has a long tradition of corporate responsibility. Over the years, we have faced challenges seemingly impossible to solve. However, as a result of hard work and decisiveness, today we have a history filled with examples of innovative products and services that solved the challenges we faced.
It is my conviction that successful companies must focus on profitability as well as environmental issues and these do not
need to be diametrically opposed. Although the world economy is weak, environmental efforts are as important as ever. Let me
provide an example – fuel accounts for about one third of our customers’ costs and each step we can take to reduce fuel costs
results in increased profitability for our customers, while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact.
Accordingly, what can be good for the company in purely commercial terms, can be good for the environment, and what is good for the environment is also good for our own and our customers’ competitiveness. In our striving for more environmentally
adapted and energy efficient vehicles, there are only winners.
In our efforts to meet our part of the climate challenge, we cooperate with many interested parties in the community. As an
example, in 2007 we presented seven trucks that could all operate on renewable fuels. We have now taken this one step further
and are carrying out a project that will demonstrate the entire technology chain, from biomass to trucks powered by BioDME,
including fuel distribution and filling stations. All of the different parties needed to introduce a new fuel are collaborating in the
project. Achieving sustainable transport solution requires cooperation such as this.
The Volvo Group comprises a broad spectrum of people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Through
working together and benefiting from each other’s different experiences, the best ideas emerge. We are continuing to work actively with capitalizing on the strengths in the Group’s diversity so that we can attract talented people, create long-term relations
with our customers and work together in the most effective manner.
The future involves great uncertainty, but I consider that conditions are highly favorable for us to cope with the challenges we face. Against the background of the decline in demand as a result of the
recession and the global financial crisis, we have been required to implement savings at all levels and in all areas of our operations.
Unfortunately, this has meant that we were forced to lay off employees. Now when we are in a difficult period, it is more important than ever to invest in leading development with regard to sustainable business operations. We will continue to be guided in
the future by the principles in the UN’s Global Compact initiative.
Active sustainability efforts are an important ingredient in the Volvo
Group’s competitiveness and in our ability to create value for current customers and shareholders. This work also contributes to a development that creates value for future generations.