The Volvo Group has chosen Penn State as its first academic preferred partnership in North America to explore and resolve some of the serious issues in commercial transportation markets around the world.
“We are very excited that our Academic Partner Program now covers Sweden, France and the U.S.A.,” says Jan-Eric Sundgren, head of public affairs and environmental issues for the Volvo Group. “This program shows our commitment to form a long-term strategic partnership that will strengthen the competitiveness of both the Volvo Group and our academic partners. Penn State already had ongoing activities in several areas such as student co-operative assignments, advanced engineering studies, biofuel research and vehicle system testing.”
The Volvo Group companies include Volvo Trucks, Volvo Buses, Volvo Construction Equipment, Renault Trucks, Nissan Diesel and Mack Trucks. In Pennsylvania, Mack has its Engineering Development and Research Center in Allentown, Remanufacturing Center in Middletown, Assembly Operations in Macungie and the Mack Museum in Allentown. The Volvo Preferred Academic Partner Program aims to build trust and facilitate cooperation between the Volvo Group and selected academic partners.
Penn State and Volvo Group will cooperate in the areas of diesel combustion and efficiency, alternative fuels, intelligent transportation systems and vehicle and driver safety systems. Penn State’s Thomas D. Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute’s test track for heavy-duty testing and the University’s expertise in engine and combustion research will figure in the partnership. The new emissions chassis test facility, capable of testing heavy-duty vehicles and powertrains, also will play a part.
Volvo Group plans to hold a signing ceremony and seminar/workshop to celebrate the partnership during the February 2010 Renewable Energy Technology Conference & Exhibition in Washington, D.C.
