The Warming Planet Is Changing the Ecosystem – It’s Also Bad for Automakers

When Swedish automaker Volvo opened its proving ground in Kiruna, Sweden, 30 years ago, the mission was clear: “Making sure that our products are truly fit for the harshest of winter conditions.”

The remote location was ideal. Kiruna, situated about 90 miles north of the Arctic Circle, historically has long, cold winters and snow cover until mid-May. This year, Volvo engineers have been forced to postpone their annual testing or rely on subarctic cold boxes to replicate the region’s harsh conditions.

“Normally we’re used to a long season of winter testing,” John Lundegren, an engineering manager at Volvo, told ABC News. “The season is getting more unpredictable. …

Source: ABC News