DOE, Volvo focus on more efficient trucks

WASHINGTON, June 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Energy and the Volvo Group say they plan to expand cooperation in an effort to develop more fuel efficient trucks.

Officials said once contractual negotiations are completed later this year, the current cooperative program will be extended for three more years.

"An additional $9 million over three years in DOE funds will be matched by $9 million in Swedish government funds and $18 million from Volvo Group," the Energy Department said in a statement. "When added with the existing $12 million commitment from the United States, Sweden and the Volvo Group, the overall value of the cooperation will be $48 million."

The partnership's overall objective is to demonstrate heavy duty engine systems with at least 10 percent higher fuel-efficiency than conventional diesel engines, officials said.