In terms of its effect on its surrounding, road traffic:

• increases emissions of greenhouse gases, mainly CO₂
• impairs air quality by emissions of substances such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulates.

With the benefit of advanced technology, the combustion process in the modern petrol engine is highly efficient which, in itself, produces low emissions. The exhaust gases are further cleaned by the latest generation of three-way catalytic converter. This is located immediately adjacent to the engine to reach full performance quickly, even when starting from cold. This reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides by 95-98%.

Approximately 90 percent of the environmental impact of a car is generated during its useful life. One of the most important environmental goals at Volvo Cars is to reduce fuel consumption and thus emissions of carbon dioxide, which contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Lower Emissions

This is the cleanest-running gasoline-powered V8 available in an SUV — the only one in the world that meets the EPA's stringent Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, stage II (ULEV II) requirements. In fact, the Volvo XC90 V8 is so clean-running, it already meets European clean-air standards before they've been mandated.