Volvo Buses
Global
Over the last few years, Volvo Buses has assumed a natural position within international industry organisations such as UITP and ACEA, and on several expert committees within the European Commission.
“This is extremely important work that helps us understand and influence how the market develops, both in terms of product range, legislation and investments. Thanks to the fact that Volvo Buses dared to invest long-term in electromobility so early, we have been able to be a driving force in this area. This is something that we as a company can be very proud of,” says Lars Johansson, who for several years has been Volvo Buses’ spokesperson in Public Affairs forums.
Thanks to the fact that Volvo Buses dared to invest long-term in electromobility so early, we have been able to be a driving force in this area.
During his 42 years at Volvo Buses, Lars has built up a large network and acquired an extensive knowledge of the industry. He has also seen how perceptions of public transport have changed and how the environment has ended up high on everyone's agenda.
“In general, public transport worldwide has become much better and more attractive. But to have sustainable cities in the future, it will require even more people to choose to travel by public transport. This is one of the great challenges ahead. Here at Volvo Buses, we still have an important role to play, and it feels very good to hand over to Maria Wedenby,” says Lars Johansson.
Maria Wedenby was most recently City Mobility Director at Volvo Buses. She has focused strongly on electromobility issues and has worked closely with authorities, operators and cities. Together with Lars Johansson and others, she has developed a standardised method within Volvo Buses for calculating the environmental impact for different types of traffic, vehicles and fuels. This has also set the foundation for an industry tool further developed in collaboration with UITP. Today, this tool is used by several organisations globally to help better understand how various bus types and fuels differ.
“To take complete responsibility for the environment and find the best solution, you must understand the customer’s operations and where in the world they are. Environmental calculations and life cycle analyses are an area where Volvo Buses is at the forefront and which is also close to my heart,” says Maria Wedenby.
Through close communication with different stakeholders, we can drive issues that are good for both the environment and the bus business.
New technologies, in combination with the transformation of society in general, mean that change in the bus industry is going faster than ever. The importance of listening, collaborating and thinking differently are qualities that Maria Wedenby brings into her new role.
“I’m driven by curiosity about the bigger picture. Through close communication with different stakeholders, we can drive issues that are good for both the environment and the bus business. I am really looking forward to continuing to build on the solid platform that Lars has created,” she says.
