Volvo introduces hybrid power for construction equipment.

* The Volvo Group, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, has announced the development of a hybrid power system for heavy vehicles, such as trucks, buses and construction equipment.

According to a press release from the company, the system can offer fuel savings of up to 35 percent.

"We envision opportunities to accelerate developments in commercially viable hybrid engines for heavy vehicles. This can be significant for both our customers and for the environment," says Leif Johansson, president and CEO of AB Volvo.

The system includes I-SAM (Integrated Starter, Alternator Motor). It is comprised of a start motor, drive engine and generator. I-SAM works together with an automatic, converted mechanical transmission, which was developed within the Volvo Group, an electronic control unit as well as conventional diesel engine and batteries that are charged by braking energy. Through linking the electric motor and diesel engine in parallel, they can work together to operate the vehicle, according to the press release.

I-SAM provides sufficient power resources to start and accelerate even heavy vehicles to an appropriate speed without assistance from the diesel engine. This also reduces the noise level of the vehicle.

The Volvo Group is also participating in the development of a new type of battery, Effpower, which is based on proven lead-acid technology used in start batteries in today's vehicles. Effpower is a Swedish-based company developing bipolar battery technology.

Volvo Construction Equipment North America Inc. is based in Asheville, N.C.

More information about the system is available at www.volvoce.com.