Sabine Fleiss
A pride in knowledge
When Sabine Fleiss tells people her main responsibility is engine oil development and analysis, they’re usually surprised that engine oil requires so much effort and investment. For them, it’s just a lubricating fluid. But when Sabine uses her years of knowledge and experience to explain, people begin to understand that oil is more than just a lubricant, it’s an essential part of the engine.
“I’ve always been interested in chemistry and understanding the complexity of things in detail. But chemical engineering is so much more. It’s about understanding how things work on a micro level - atoms and molecules – and then using this knowledge to improve things like engine oil properties,” explains Sabine Fleiss, Volvo Cars Senior Engineer for Engine Lubricants.
“I love my work and I’m really proud of what I’m doing.”
Sabine Fleiss
Volvo Cars’ Senior Engineer for Engine Lubricants
The complexity of engine oil isn’t something most people are familiar with. And the majority of drivers don’t realise every new Volvo car leaves the factory filled with an engine oil specially developed to help it perform to the highest possible standard.
“As well as reducing heat, wear and noise, the oil cools and cleans the engine and prevents corrosion. And these are just the physical and chemical aspects – there are also environmental and economic aspects you have to be aware of.”
As the demands on the engine become greater, the requirements on the engine oil increase as well. Most people are unaware of the benefits a high quality engine oil can provide – not only for their car, but for the environment as well.
An oil for the future
Sabine belongs to the Advanced Engineering Department at Volvo. Her team combines extremely experienced engineers, in all areas of engine development, with the necessary passion and ambition required to develop the most progressive product, while focusing on a commitment towards the environment.
“We want to offer engine oil that lasts longer, protects the engine even better, reduces friction to a minimum and as a result decreases the fuel consumption. That’s why we’re doing it. That’s why I’m doing it.“
Our promise to the world
Technology
Clean-air thinking
Nowadays, our air isn’t as clean as it once was. More and more cities across the globe are becoming enveloped in smog and pollution is a problem that doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Up to 45 per cent of the world’s population now suffers from some form of allergy or hypersensitivity and over 10 per cent suffer from asthma. And when you consider that we now spend more time in our cars than ever before, the need for an effective and reliable air conditioning system has never been greater. This is why Volvo developed the CleanZone philosophy.
Lifestyle
A unique way of connecting people
In the past, keeping people connected was a lot more difficult than it is today. It took ingenuity, risk and a whole lot of manpower. We explore Sweden’s oldest and most ambitious way of keeping people connected – the Göta Canal.
Design
Crafted by Sweden
Every new Volvo is a product of Sweden – a place with a unique society and sense of style. Maximilian Missoni, Vice President Exterior Design, and Tisha Johnson, Senior Interior Designer, talk about how the calm confidence and the focus on natural light and materials in the Volvo S90 and V90 exemplify Swedish life and modern Scandinavian design.