Luxembourg, 09/12/2004 (Agence Europe) - On 6 December the EIB granted a loan of 2 billion SEK (EUR 224.7 million) to AB Volvo Group to support research, development and innovative downstream investments in Göteborg. AB Volvo is one of the world's leading manufacturers of heavy commercial vehicles and diesel engines. The project involves R&D for core drive train components (engines, transmissions, axles) including fuel consumption and emission characteristics of diesel engines enabling conformity with upcoming Euro-4 standards applicable in 2005 and aiming to introduce technologies and products with the potential of complying with Euro-5 standards, likely to come into force in 2008. It also covers aspects of vehicle structure and safety.