• Materials and technologies selected to minimise risk to health
  • New engine technology gives environmental benefits
  • Premair®
  • Pollen filter is standard
  • Interior Air Quality System a new option in the compact Volvo
  • Environmental Product Declaration available from start
  • Careful selection of materials and technologies

Volvo builds S40 and V50 in one of the most up-to-date production plants in the world. The manufacturing methods, as well as the materials and substances used in production, are selected to minimise the risk to health, both to production personnel and to people outside the plant.

For example Volvo Car's manufacturing processes of S40 sedan and V50 wagon at the Ghent, Belgium plant consciously uses chromium-free body material pre-treatment, water-borne exterior paints and CFC-free materials.

The S40's and the V50's on-board technologies are designed for the minimum possible effect on the surrounding environment in the form of low exhaust emission levels. The examples are aluminium low-friction engines, catalytic converters with three-way technology - located close to engine, oxygen sensor (Lambdasond) both upstream and downstream of catalytic converter, system for recovery of evaporated fuel vapour (EVAP).

As are all Volvo cars, S40 and V50 are designed for a high recycling rate. Eighty-five percent by weight of the materials in the cars can be recycled; plastic components are marked to facilitate recycling; recycled felt and wood-fibre materials are used in certain interior trim components.

Lower fuel consumption and lower exhaust emissions
The new petrol engines are a further development of Volvo's low-friction engines.
The manifold and turbo unit (on S40 T5 and on V50 T5) have been cast together in high-alloy cast steel that is particularly heat resistant (1050° C). The manifold and turbo unit are therefore more tolerant to heat. As a result, the engine is run on a leaner fuel mixture, promoting lower fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, especially when driving at high speeds.

The new plastic inlet manifold also provides positive environmental effects. The plastic material's minimal heat conducting ability leads to cooler inlet air and thus more efficient combustion.

The lambda probes are of improved design, heating up faster and activating more quickly in cold starts. This promotes lower emissions.

The radiators for S40's and V50's five-cylinder engines feature Volvo's PremAir® system, developed in cooperation with Engelhard Corporation. PremAir® is a system that uses a catalytic coating on the radiator. It converts up to 75 percent of the ozone passing through the radiator into harmless oxygen.

Will meet the next generation of emission regulations
The five-cylinder engines have been upgraded to meet the next generation of US and California emission regulations for this decade.

Those regulations are the toughest emission standards in the world and have led to new steps within emission development to handle the stringent HC, NOx and durability requirements. Volvo offers this enhanced technology for tailpipe emissions worldwide on the new five-cylinder engines.

Cleaner inside than out
Like other Volvo cars, S40 and V50 have been developed to offer its passengers a clean and healthy cabin. A pollen filter is standard. In addition, Volvo's Interior Air Quality System (IAQS) is now available as an option in both luxury compact models. IAQS includes an activated carbon filter. It is an advanced air quality system, which automatically purifies the incoming air of impurities and odours. IAQS makes the interior air cleaner than the air outside the car.

All materials used in the interior have been selected and tested to prevent allergies and other ailments. Examples are low PVC content in interior trim materials, chromium-free leather, nickel-free surface treatment, ÖKO-TEX-certified fabrics.

The ÖKO-TEX Label is an international registered mark for testing of textiles and leather. The certification ensures that textiles and leather are hypoallergenic and free from hazardous substances.

Environmental Product Declaration available from start
Like all Volvo models, S40 and V50 come with an Environmental Product Declaration. Volvo is the first car manufacturer in the world to introduce an Environmental Product Declaration. Volvo Car's EPD is based on a holistic approach with focus on health, resource utilisation and ecological consequences. It gives the car buyer an overview of the car's environmental impact throughout its lifetime and thus makes it easier to compare the eco-performance of Volvo's various models and engine alternatives.