The Volvo Group is rolling out its internally developed hybrid technology for heavy vehicles, I-SAM (Integrated Starter Alternator Motor).

Volvo demonstrated a construction truck with hybrid drive ordered by the U.S. Air Force. Technology unveiled includes a construction truck from the Volvo Group’s Mack subsidiary, a Mack Granite, which is equipped with a hybrid driveline and was developed for the U.S. Air Force. Development of the truck was carried out in close cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, which earlier was involved in producing a prototype of a tanker truck with hybrid drive.

In March 2006 Volvo presented a hybrid solution that has the potential of becoming commercially viable, the company said. Its’ solution was named based on its functionality, I-SAM, and can provide fuel savings of up to 35 percent depending on application area and driving conditions, the company said. The first vehicles are expected to enter production in 2009. Volvo said it also is developing hybrid technology for construction equipment, such as wheel loaders, in which the fuel savings can be up to 50 percent.

For more information, visit http://www.volvotrucks.com/.