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SAAB RESPONSIBLE FOR HYBRID CARS
Saab’s engineers were assigned responsibility
for the task of developing
the hybrid technology for the European
market. They are also developing
software for the GM group as a whole.
Software development is essential for
the future, when modern cars in general
and hybrid cars in particular will be
equipped with increasingly advanced
control systems.
– The sky’s the limit when it comes to
what we can do with computer support.
A hybrid car could, for instance, use
the navigation system to predict what is
around the corner. If it is a hill, the car
could prepare by giving the battery an
extra charge, says Tommy Lindholm.
The collaboration between the car
industry and university is two-way. The
industry gets help in the areas where it
does not possess the necessary knowhow.
In exchange, car companies help to
train the automotive researchers of the
future.
A Saab 9-3 being transformed from a
traditional singe-engine petrol-driven car
into a two-engine hybrid.
SET TO CONTINUE
The automotive industry and its subsuppliers
are among Sweden’s most
important industries and account for 15
per cent of the country’s export earnings.
Brands such as Volvo, Saab and Scania
are well known around the world.
But the industry is constantly threatened
by the ever keener competition
in a globalized world. Manufacturers
who cannot deliver the technology that
customers want will be wiped out.
The Green Car programme has
helped the Swedish automotive industry
turn a threat into an advantage.
Customers have started asking for cars
that do not destroy the environment or
change the climate. The first round of
the Green Car programme has come to
an end, but thanks to the good results
everyone has agreed to continue the
programme.
Useful Swedish contacts
VINNOVA
(the Swedish Governmental Agency for
Innovation Systems)
SE-101 58 Stockholm
Street address:
Mäster Samuelsgatan 56
Phone: +46 8 473 30 00
Fax: +46 8 473 30 05
E-mail: VINNOVA@VINNOVA.se
www.VINNOVA.se
VINNOVA, the Swedish Governmental
Agency for Innovation Systems, integrates
research, development and innovation.
VINNOVA’s mission is to promote
sustainable growth by funding needsdriven
research and developing effective
innovation systems. Through its activities
in this field, VINNOVA aims to make
a significant contribution to Sweden’s
development into a leading knowledge
based economy.
Invest in Sweden Agency (ISA)
PO Box 90, SE-101 21 Stockholm
Street address: World Trade Center,
Klarabergsviadukten 70 B6
Phone: +46 8 402 78 00
Fax: +46 8 402 78 78
E-mail: isa@isa.se
www.isa.se
The Invest in Sweden Agency is a
government agency that assists foreign
investors and informs them about business
opportunities in Sweden. Companies
that are planning to establish or
expand business operations in Sweden
can, free of charge, obtain information
and assistance from ISA and its regional
and international network.
Swedish Trade Council
Box 240, SE-101 24 Stockholm
Street address: World Trade Center,
Klarabergsviadukten 70
Phone: +46 8 588 660 00
Fax: +46 8 588 661 90
E-mail: infocenter@swedishtrade.se
www.swedishtrade.com
The Swedish Trade Council helps companies
to do business with Sweden. It
identifies the right suppliers and can
also answer questions about Swedish
exports quickly and free of charge. It
also helps Swedish companies that want
to establish a presence abroad.
Swedish Research Council
SE-103 78 Stockholm
Street address: Regeringsgatan 56
Phone: +46 8 546 44 000
Fax: +46 8 546 44 180
E-mail: vetenskapsradet@vr.se
www.vr.se/english
The Swedish Research Council is a
government agency under the Ministry
of Education, Research and Culture.
The Council provides support for basic
research of the highest scientific quality
in every field of science. Its main areas
of responsibility are research funding, research
policy and science communication.
Government Offices of Sweden
SE-103 33 Stockholm
Phone: +46 8 405 10 00
www.sweden.gov.se
The Government is assisted by the
Government Offices, an integral authority
comprising the Prime Minister’s Office,
the ministries, the Permanent Representation
of Sweden to the European Union
and the Office of Administrative Affairs.
Swedish Institute for Growth Policy
Studies (ITPS)
Studentplan 3, SE-831 40 Östersund
Phone: +46 63 16 66 00
E-mail: info@itps.se
www.itps.se
The ITPS is a government agency that
is responsible for policy intelligence,
evaluation and various areas of official
statistics.
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