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
Ownership
Where the magic happens
It’s more than a kilometre long – with a corridor running the entire length of it – and around 6,500 people work there. Every day around 1,200 cars roll out of the doors and onto the roads, and every single one of them is made to order.
Technology
The art of comfort
With the release of the all-new XC90, Volvo Cars introduced a thrilling, thoroughly modern take on the concept of Scandinavian luxury. Here was a car where innovative design features effortlessly integrated with natural materials to create a luxurious interior, which was as comfortable as it was eye-catching. Now, with the release of the new Volvo S90, Volvo V90 and Volvo XC90 Excellence, our designers have kept their focus on luxury and wellbeing and used it to turn the concept of in-car comfort into an art form.
Lifestyle
Wake up and get some sleep
We travelled to New York to discover how drivers stay alert behind the wheel in the city that never sleeps. Impaired reaction time, judgment and vision. These are just some of the effects of drowsy driving.