Volvo is cutting corners, but now in the way you’d expect in today’s economy. They’re downsizing in both fuel consumption and emissions. Their new line of DRIVe vehicles (pictured below, Volvo’s new C30) come complete with a new transmission layout (which cuts fuel consumption 0.75%) along with low rolling resistance tires to save another 2%.

In Europe, Volvo is revitalizing their diesel consuming vehicles, namely their C30, S40 and V50 models. Expect better wind resistant design from these cars, along with higher gearbox ratios and better engine cooling and power steering operations. “An aerodynamic Volvo?” You’re heard right. The car maker hopes to ship 20,000 DRIVe vehicles to Europe next year. Hopefully, there will be someone to buy. But you won’t be missing the size Volvo drivers are use to – as company CEO Fredrik Arp says: “We wanted to demonstrate that low CO2 ratings are not solely the preserve of small diesel cars…we are also making it possible for families and other customers who require extra space to make an active pro-environmental choice.”