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.