Hasse Johansson, Head of Research and Development, opened the seminar.

“We are part of the problem when it comes to carbon dioxide emissions, but above all, we are part of the solution. Last year, for example, Scania’s R&D department spent SEK 1.5 billion on engine development aimed at reducing exhaust emissions,” he said. At the same time he emphasising the complexity of the issue and the need for politicians, the vehicle industry, the haulage trade, influential individuals and consumers to join together in assuming overall responsibility.
 
The solutions of the future are likely to be based on old, tried-and-tested technology, Mr Johansson added. “The diesel engine remains unbeatable as the best way of transforming chemical to mechanical energy. It also has a whole century of experience and development behind it. It is tailor-made to run on alternative and renewable energy. Rudolf Diesel’s first engine could run on coal powder. Today ethanol combines the efficiency of the diesel engine with its own environmentally friendly advantages.”

He also highlighted the key role of the driver. A well trained driver who is knowledgeable in eco-driving can drastically improve fuel economy and reduce emissions by about 15 percent. A skilled driver not only saves fuel, but also lowers the cost of repairs and maintenance, accidents, injuries and insurance premiums. 

Andreas Carlgren, Sweden’s Environment Minister, arrived at the seminar in one of Scania’s ethanol buses. He said that faced by climate change, we can sit back and wait for a crash landing, or we can do something. The choice is simple, and it requires making difficult decisions. “For example, the carbon dioxide tax is necessary. Without it, emissions would have been 20 percent higher.” 

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