4
Volvo Car Corporation and the environment
Clean air in the passenger
compartment
A sophisticated air cleaning system, IAQS
1
(Interior Air Quality System) ensures that the
air in the passenger compartment is cleaner
than the air in the traffic outside.
The system consists of an electronic sensor
and a carbon filter. The air intake is closed if
there is an increase in the level of reducing
gases and oxidising gases, e.g. carbon
monoxide, for example in heavy traffic,
queues and tunnels. The entry of nitrous
oxides, ground-level ozone and hydrocarbons
is prevented by the carbon filter.
Textile standard
The interior of a Volvo is designed to be
healthy and safe - even for people with
contact allergies and for asthma sufferers.
Extreme attention has been given to choosing
environmentally-compatible materials. This
means that they also fulfil the requirements of
the Öko-Tex 100 ecological standard - a
major advance towards a healthier passenger
compartment environment.
Öko-Tex certification covers seatbelts,
carpets, thread and fabrics for example. Even
the leather upholstery undergoes chromium-
free tanning with natural plant substances
and meets the requirements.
Volvo workshops and the
environment
Regular maintenance creates the conditions
for long service life for the car and low fuel
consumption, and contributes to a cleaner
environment. When Volvo’s workshops are
entrusted with the repair and maintenance of
the car, it becomes part of our system. We
make clear demands regarding the way in
which our workshops are designed in order
to prevent spills and discharges into the
environment. Our workshop staff have the
knowledge and the tools required to
guarantee good environmental care.
Reducing environmental impact
You can help reduce environmental impact,
for example, by purchasing eco-labelled car
care products and by servicing and
maintaining the car according to the instruc-
tions in the owner’s manual.
The following hints will help you to do your bit
for the environment:
• Ensure that your tyre pressures are
correct. Poorly inflated tyres increase fuel
consumption. If any of the higher tyre
pressures recommended by Volvo are
used then fuel consumption decreases.
• Remove unnecessary items from the car -
the greater the load the higher the fuel
consumption.
• Is your car equipped with an engine block
heater? If so, use it for a few hours before
starting from cold to reduce fuel
consumption and exhaust emissions.
• Drive gently! Avoid unnecessary acceler-
ation and braking too hard.
• Drive in the highest gear
possible. Low engine
speeds result in lower
fuel consumption.
• Ease back on the accel-
erator on downhill
gradients.
• Use engine braking. Take your foot off the
accelerator and change down.
• Avoid idling. Switch off the engine in
traffic queues.
1. Option.
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