
Lifecycle of a Volvo
Designed to last
We understand the impact cars have on the planet, that’s why we constantly strive to have a better understanding of the environment and develop and build cleaner cars that last longer. Because now, we believe it’s not enough to simply build cars that protect you and your passengers. We have to build cars capable of protecting the world around us.
A life with Volvo
Reduce, reuse, recycle

Built to last
When developing the car, different types of plastic, magnesium and aluminium were used extensively in the design. These materials were chosen not only because they were light, but because they were readily available and, most importantly, recyclable. This was a car built to last – at least in one form or another. One other forward-thinking feature of the LCP 2000 was its ability to run on any oil fuel, e.g. rape seed oil. But a car that smelled faintly of fish and chips as it drove past was not to everyone’s taste.
The LCP 2000 is now proudly on display in the Volvo Museum. But the project continues to inspire the way we build our cars with sustainability and the environment in mind. Today, metals, oils, fluids, rubber and certain plastics corresponding to at least 95% of the weight of a Volvo car can be recovered, while 85% can be recycled. Volvo Cars’ Environmental Strategy now encompasses the car’s environmental impact throughout its entire lifecycle – from development, use and service to recycling when the car is scrapped and the cycle begins again.
