SODERTALJE, Sweden, June 6, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- "Existing engine technology combined with a controlled gradual shift to biofuels and increased use of robust hybrid systems will lead the way into a sustainable and affordable public transport system," said Scania's Hasse Johansson at the opening session of the UITP world congress in Rome, recommending the way forward for urban bus transport in the next 15-20 years.
Mr Hasse Johansson, responsible for research and development at Scania, addressed the subject `The energy crisis: how can the public transport sector respond?', touching on the most attractive and cost-effective developments in bus transport in the years to come. The biennial UITP congress (union international des transports public) gathers public transport decision-makers and operators from all over the world.
"Since the early 1990s, we have seen nothing short of a revolution in engine technology, with a reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions by close to 80 percent and particulates by 95 percent.
"We have managed to avoid the penalties in fuel consumption traditionally associated with emission reductions. The steps through Euro 1, Euro 2 and Euro 3, and from next year Euro 4 have been achieved without any adverse effect on fuel economy, and we expect it to remain unchanged also for Euro 5 in 2009.
"The next big step is likely to occur around 2012. Beyond that the focus will be on emissions of carbon dioxide, in other words fuel efficiency, and on noise. Emissions of nitrogen oxides and particles will be so low that they are no longer considered a problem."
Carbon dioxide emissions are directly proportional to the amount of fuel consumed. Fossil fuel causes a net contribution of carbon dioxide, thus contributing to the greenhouse effect. Biofuels do not, but cannot be produced in the quantities required to replace fossil fuel. Mr Johansson on the future fuel situation:
"In terms of fuel, we expect a steady evolution. Oil production will peak around 2008, according to some researchers. This will lead to a continued increase in fuel prices, thus gradually making alternative fuels a much more attractive proposition.
"But we are reluctant to recommend going into any kind of `niche' biofuel. We have ample experience of ethanol buses in Sweden since the early 1990s. The use of ethanol has clear environmental benefits, but unless volumes can be radically increased -- and stable legislative conditions guaranteed -- dedicated engine development for a special fuel simply cannot be justified.
"Instead, without any change in engine technology, we can mix alternative fuels into diesel. Mixing proportions can be gradually increased, provided that the combustion properties of the fuel are retained.
"The greatest potential lies in the introduction of synthetic diesel, manufactured from biowaste or natural gas. Synthetic diesel can be tailored precisely to suit existing engine technology. It can be mixed with today's diesel in increasing proportions, enabling a smooth transition into the use of alternative fuels for the entire vehicle population."
Hasse Johansson also emphasises the potential of hybrid drive technology. Many trials so far have failed because they have been based on technology suitable for use in passenger cars and light commercial vehicles:
"Hybrid drive technology holds great promise if based on existing heavy duty vehicle technology. This is the case for our new hybrid-drive concept, which uses a rugged hybrid system and calculating conservatively, is expected to render a fuel saving of at least 25 percent. A breakthrough can be expected in about five years' time.
"The solutions we propose may seem conservative, but it's for the best of all of us. It makes the best possible use of the money and resources we spend on public transport," concludes Mr Johansson.
More in-depth information is available on www.scania.com, including details about Scania's solutions for Euro 4 and Euro 5 and illustrations.
For more information, please contact:
Gunnar Boman, Corporate Relations tel. +46 70 5508606 email gunnar.boman@scania.com Per-Erik Nordstrom, Product Affairs tel. +46 70 5535577 email per-erik.nordstrom@scania.com
Scania is one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks and buses for heavy transport applications, and of industrial and marine engines. A growing proportion of the company's operations consists of products and services in the financial and service sectors, assuring Scania customers of cost-effective transport solutions and maximum uptime. Employing 30,000 people, Scania operates in about 100 countries. Research and development activities are concentrated in Sweden, while production takes place in Europe and South America, with facilities for global interchange of both components and complete vehicles. In 2004, invoiced sales totalled SEK 56.7 billion and the net income amounted to SEK 4.1 billion. Bus chassis production takes place in Sweden, Brazil and Mexico. Bodybuilding takes place in Poland and Russia.
Scania press releases are available on the Internet, www.scania.com
(N05025EN) Per-Erik Nordstrom
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