Volvo Cuts Down on Emissions by Switching to Trains for Logistics

Volvo Trucks to Train
Aside from leading the industry in safety, Volvo Cars is also paving the way among car makers in terms of reducing carbon emissions in its operations. Its latest CO2-reducing measure involves switching its logistics methods from trucks to trains in transporting its finished products from manufacturing plants to new car depots. The switch is especially beneficial in Europe, where trucks remain the primary option for delivering new cars to distribution depots and dealerships. Volvo states that it is currently “in the process of reducing emissions by replacing more and more transports by trucks with rail transport.” Volvo Trucks to Train Citing an example, by implementing rail transport between its Ghent, Belgium-based manufacturing plant and a purpose-built depot in northern Italy, the Geely-owned company managed to reduce emissions on that route by almost 75 percent. On another route, this time from Ghent to an Austrian depot, emissions were cut by almost 50 percent when the new cars were transported by train. Both initiatives are part of the climate action plan that Volvo Cars unveiled this year. Under the plan, the company aims to reduce its lifecycle carbon footprint per car by 40 percent between 2018 and 2025, which will require a 25 percent reduction in operational emissions, including logistics. The 2025 plan is one tangible step that puts the Swedish car brand in a better position to achieving its ambitious goal of becoming a climate neutral company by 2040. “When we said we planned to significantly reduce emissions across all our operations, we meant it,” said Javier Varela, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Logistics at Volvo Cars. “Our logistics network is just one piece of that puzzle, but an important one nevertheless. This is one example of our commitment to reducing our impact on the environment through meaningful, concrete steps.” After Europe, Volvo will also look into using large-scale rail transport systems for its operations in the US and China. In the US, the company’s Charleston, South Carolina-based manufacturing plant has partnered with a well-established rail cargo network taking new cars to depots in cities across North America. Already now, these trains replace the equivalent of dozens of trucks per week, a number likely to increase once the next generation XC90 goes into production. In China, cars are transported from its manufacturing plants in Chengdu, Lugiao and Daqing to the Ghent port in Belgium by train two times a week. Other train connections deliver new Volvo cars to regional depots within China and in Russia. Volvo Cars climate action plan represents one of the most ambitious plans in the automotive industry, as it puts the company in line with the global Paris climate agreement of 2015, which seeks to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The company’s electrification ambitions are reflected in the recently launched, brand new Volvo Recharge car line, set to be the overarching name for all chargeable Volvo cars with a fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain. Volvo Recharge  

Also Read:

Volvo, Geely to Merge in Engine Building

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • First-ever ‘BYD Grab Day Caravan’ puts spotlight on Seal 5 DM-i
    First-ever ‘BYD Grab Day Caravan’ puts spotlight on Seal 5 DM-i
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Inchcape PH releases Mercedes-Benz V-Class Elegance
    Inchcape PH releases Mercedes-Benz V-Class Elegance
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Latest ‘Kia Movement’ leg set this weekend
    Latest ‘Kia Movement’ leg set this weekend
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 10, 2025
  • Bentley unveils all-electric EXP 15 concept car
    Bentley unveils all-electric EXP 15 concept car
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 10, 2025
  • TMP Tech produces latest batch of technicians
    TMP Tech produces latest batch of technicians
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 10, 2025
  • Nissan Livina vs. the competition
    Nissan Livina vs. the competition
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Exploring the Jetour T2’s interior
    Exploring the Jetour T2’s interior
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 10, 2025
  • Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
    Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
    Paulo Papa . Jul 09, 2025
  • Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 07, 2025
  • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Paulo Papa . Jul 09, 2025
  • Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Paulo Papa . Jul 07, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025