Truck manufacturer AB Volvo has announced plans to showcase its environmentally-friendly innovations at the IAA commercial vehicle show in Hanover next month.

The Swedish automotive firm is set to premiere its latest range of medium-duty and heavyweight long-haul trucks, all of which meet requirements not stipulated as necessary until 2009 under Euro V regulations.

Featuring selective catalytic reduction, the new lorries produce 80 per cent fewer particulate emissions and 50 per cent fewer nitrogen oxide emissions than vehicles operating under the current Euro III legislation.

As well as demonstrating its present technology, Volvo plans to introduce future technologies that are designed to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

The company will proudly present its parallel hybrid technology for large, long-haul vehicles, combining an electric motor and a diesel engine. Both components of the so-called D7 unit can work independently, reducing fuel consumption by more than a third on short urban journeys.

The diesel element of the D7 can also run on biofuel, making its operation carbon neutral.

Though Volvo's parallel hybrid systems could be available within two years, the firm is also working on shorter term measures that will be expounded at the Hanover show.

The IAA commercial vehicle show 2006 takes place in Hanover between September 21st and 28th.

© Adfero Ltd