Volvo's fuel saving start/stop technology has for the first time, been combined with the six-speed Geartronic transmission. This innovative development delivers the first four models in the Volvo range that can be ordered with an automatic gearbox as well as benefiting from start/stop technology.

The start/stop technology is currently standard in all of Volvo's large cars fitted with manual transmission (except T5) and this is the first time it has been offered on an automatic gearbox. Initially, it is available together with the 2.0-litre D3 turbo diesel, cutting CO2 emissions by 10g/km - translating into a decrease in fuel consumption of up to 3.6 miles per gallon.

To begin with, this new technology is available as standard in the four of Volvo's models, the all-new S60 and V60, V70 and S80. All four models are available to order now and attract no price increase for this added technology and beneficial decrease in CO2 and fuel consumption.

"Continuously reducing CO2 emissions from conventional powertrains is an important part of our DRIVe Towards Zero emission strategy. It is the most effective way to cut CO2 throughout our model range in the short term. This work is running parallel with our innovative focus on electrification technologies," says Peter Mertens, senior vice president, research and development at Volvo Car Corporation.

Combining start/stop with automatic gearbox is a larger technology challenge than the manual start/stop version already available in most Volvo models. Without a signal from the clutch pedal as used in manual transmissions with start/stop, the engine must restart instantly when the driver moves his or her right foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.

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