Q&A

Volvo Cars has set one of the industry's most ambitious engineering goals: to have zero traffic fatalities in any of its new models beginning in 2020. It also aims to have one-third of its new-vehicle range be capable of SAE Level 4 autonomous operation by 2025. First to arrive with Level 4 capability will be the next-generation XC90 due in 2021.

Henrik Green (below), the senior VP of research & development, is pleased with his company's progress in both the electrification and automated-driving areas. As a computer-engineering graduate, Green joined Volvo in 1996. He's since led engine development, powertrain-controls, and the 40-series vehicle program, and has headed global product strategy. He spoke recently with editor-in-chief Lindsay Brooke on Volvo's technology trajectory.