VOLVO

Company reuses its spare parts, and the environment is grateful

Gearboxes, injectors or electronic components from Volvo models up to 15 years old are part of a wide range of parts that the Swedish manufacturer restores to the original specifications of the brand, thus doubly saving the environment, since on the one hand the reuse of parts implies the use of less raw materials, on the other hand, it also saves on the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2). Last year alone, says Volvo Cars, this saved around 4,500 tonnes, of which nearly 400 tonnes were in materials (271 tonnes of steel and 126 tonnes of aluminium) and 4116 tonnes in CO2 associated with the energy saved.

The program in question is called Volvo Cars Exchange System and dates back to 1945, when the post-war shortage of raw materials led the brand to start restoring gearboxes in the small Swedish town of Köping. It turns out that what was supposed to be a short-term measure ended up being maintained and improved. To the point that, these days, the work of reusing used car parts takes place in harmony with Volvo's Design department, which is responsible for ensuring that in the future it will be easier to dismantle the restored part.

The Scandinavian manufacturer estimates that "a reused part requires up to 85% less raw materials and consumes up to 80% less energy in production, compared to a new part", with the advantage of enjoying the same warranty that covers new and to benefit from the upgrade to “the latest specs, which means they can perform even better in their second life,” stresses Volvo, noting that it makes a lot more sense to reuse worn parts than simply discarding them. And everyone benefits from this program: the builder, the customer and the environment.

Autonews