FFI
are of major importance for quality of life and
growth. If society is to continue its positive development, transport solutions must
be safe and environmentally sustainable. Safe electric cars, smarter logistics and
resource-efficient production technology are examples of the innovation and renewal
which can help the Swedish automotive industry meet this challenge. To drive the
development forwards, Sweden’s government and industry are investing in a long-term
partnership within FFI – Strategic Vehicle Research and Innovation.
TRANSPORT, MOBILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY
a reduction in the environmental impact and energy consumption of road
transportation, fewer traffic deaths and injuries and an increase in competitiveness for
the Swedish automotive industry. In addition to playing its part in ambitious public
objectives for sustainable development, FFI will generate new business opportunities
and job openings. The effort is based on previous automotive research programmes
involving collaboration between public authorities, industry and academia. Evaluations
show these to have yielded strategic successes and strengthened the position of automotive
companies in Sweden.
IT AIMS FOR
Sweden is home to several world-leading
automotive manufacturers which, including
innovative subcontractors, employ some
125,000 people. One in ten Swedish jobs
is in some way connected with vehicles,
roads and transportation. The automotive
sector is one of Sweden’s leading export
industries and competes successfully in
a global market.
“There have been many contributors to the automotive industry’s
global successes, including training courses, research, good
subcontractors and leading manufacturers. FFI is a good example
of how these parties can collaborate to strengthen the Swedish
automotive cluster for the future.” LEIF ÖSTLING, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF SCANIA
“The automotive industry has a key role to play in Europe’s
­conversion into a sustainable society. There is much to suggest
that the role of universities in integrating education, research
and innovation can give the Swedish automotive cluster new
­competitiveness in the world.” Karin Markides, President of Chalmers University of Technology
FFI – STRATEGIC VEHICLE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION funds R&D that focuses on climate,
environment and safety. The effort is ongoing and includes some €100 million per
year, half of which comes from public funds through VINNOVA, the Swedish Road
Administration and the Swedish Energy Agency. An equivalent amount is invested
by the five industrial partners: Volvo, FKG (Scandinavian Automotive Suppliers),
Saab Automobile, Scania and Volvo Cars. This collaboration between public bodies,
­industry, educational establishments and research institutes is intended to provide
high-quality results and contribute to positive social development.
FFI FUNDS PROJECTS with two thirds of the money going to climate and environment
and one third to safety. An FFI board is responsible for setting a balance between
­targeted projects and more long-term efforts which can deliver groundbreaking results.
The board’s duties also include promoting constructive cooperation between the
­various actors in the road traffic system. The FFI office is based at VINNOVA.
ELECTRIC CAR WITH SUPERIOR TRAFFIC SAFETY
An electrically powered car which meets most of the daily transport needs of an average commuter.
A step in the direction towards this objective is an FFI project at Volvo Cars which has tested various
batteries and electric motors as well as new business models. A prototype has been produced based on
the C30 model which brings all Volvo’s existing safety solutions into play. The project has also studied
how new risks such as electrical safety should be managed and how batteries behave in a collision.
100 million euro
FFI’S OBJECTIVES ARE:
1
2
3
TO REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT OF ROAD TRANSPORTATION
TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE
INJURED AND KILLED IN TRAFFIC
TO STRENGTHEN INTERNATIONAL
COMPETITIVENESS
“To keep the automotive industry, with its development from
concept to finished product, we need research, development
and demonstration prototypes. If we also want these activities
to take place in Sweden then, for competitive reasons, we
need co-financed programmes such as FFI.” SVENÅKE BERGLIE, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FKG.
The investments in FFI take place through various collaborative programmes. A programme
board within each area proposes thematic as well as strategic initiatives and assesses applications.
TRANSPORT EFFICIENCY Safe and reliable travel and transportation for members of the public
and industry requires efficient and sustainable utilisation of vehicles and infra­structure.
The programme promotes cooperation between different forms of transport on logistics
and control of personal and goods transportation, various services concentrating on vehicles,
plus technological development and improved vehicular concepts.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT Adaptation of the transport system is crucial if we are to reduce
emissions of exhaust gases and combat other environmental problems. Initiatives
include such things as energy-efficient vehicles with lower environmental impact,
­drivetrain systems for renewable fuels and electric power, plus new business and socio-­
economic models.
VEHICLE & TRAFFIC SAFETY Sweden is a world leader in traffic safety. The programme
will contribute to the continued development of vehicles with active systems to
prevent accidents as well as passive ones to alleviate the consequences of those ­
accidents which nevertheless occur. Initiatives have a systemic approach so as to get
roads, vehicles and r­ oad-users to interact well.
VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT The development of basic technology and system knowledge is
c­ rucial in order to utilise environment and safety advances. The programme is helping
the Swedish automotive industry maintain its leading position in vehicle development
by investing in vehicle electronics and software, plus efficient design of new vehicle properties.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY Global competition is dictating demand in
­ weden for automated and innovative production systems for vehicles, drivetrains
S
and c­ omponents. The programme includes initiatives in such areas as component
­manufacture, passenger compartment construction and coachwork, finishing and ­painting,
fitting, robotics, quality assurance and production management.
GREEN PRODUCTION OF COMPONENTS
Resource-efficient production of vehicles
and components should create new
values and increase the competitiveness
of Swedish industry. The component
manufacturer Haldex is running its
Green Production Systems project in
conjunction with vehicle manufacturers
and Mälardalen University. The aim is to
meet green customer requirements and
obtain an environmental accreditation
for Swedish production. The research is
intended to provide methods and tools
for visualising and controlling environmental impact based on a holistic view
of efficient engineering production.
FACTS ABOUT FFI
The investments are made under five collaborative programmes:
Transport Efficiency, Energy & Environment, Vehicle & Traffic Safety,
Vehicle Development and Sustainable Production Technology.
Companies, academia and research institutes may all initiate
and participate in projects. The crucial factor is relevance to
the ­automotive industry, which is ensured through the
involvement or approval of an industrial contract partner.
Project applications are examined with the aid of independent
experts. Assessment criteria are: how the project might
­contribute to the programme’s goals; quality of the project
proposal; applicants’ ability to implement it; and
strategy for utilising and disseminating results.
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.vinnova.se/ffi
Photo: Carl-Erik Andersson, J-O Yxell, Keith Dannemiller, Istockphoto. Design: Krut Reklam. Printing: Edita.
The Swedish government and automotive industry are jointly investing ­
in research, innovation and development with the emphasis on climate,
­environment and safety. This activity turns over around €100 million
annually, half of which is public money.