When I crossed the finish line after my first marathon just a year ago, I was completely exhausted. My muscles and joints ached, the race had taken everything out of me. Yet I was incredibly happy. At the same time, I was certain of one thing: I would never put myself through that again. That turned out to be wrong. Since then, I have run the full 42.195 kilometers again, with a better result. What drives me? Taking on new challenges and testing the limits of what’s possible.
My work for the TRATON GROUP is no different: the commitment to reducing carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere is a marathon and not a sprint, requiring steady progress, step-by-step.
As Head of Powertrain Group Product Management, I ensure that the commercial vehicles produced by TRATON brands significantly reduce their carbon dioxide emissions through highly efficient conventional and electrified powertrains. One example is the Future Powertrain Programme (FPP) at TRATON, which focuses on improving combustion engine performance and powertrain efficiency.
In addition to our electrification strategy, improving conventional powertrains is an important lever for achieving our CO2 targets. When combined with alternative green fuels, such as HVO100 or biodiesel, CO2 emissions from driving can be reduced by up to 90% compared to diesel.
In many markets around the world, commercial vehicles with conventional combustion engines will continue to coexist with battery-electric models for years to come. That’s why my team and I work globally and across all brands.
During my time as Engineering Director at Cummins Fuel Systems in Indiana, USA, I learnt how important it is to respond to customer needs and market conditions. Unlike in Europe, business in the USA focuses more on short-term success. An economic advantage for the customer must be created within a very short timeframe, while also presenting a scalable solution – no easy feat. My experiences in the USA now help me to successfully tackle my current role alongside my team. I would encourage every colleague to seize the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different company or culture – it’s truly worth it!
Looking beyond one’s own immediate surroundings offers valuable insights and helps to use different perspectives to achieve even better results. For example, it’s essential when it comes to perfectly coordinating seamless collaboration at all levels of production. There is enormous potential for synergies within the TRATON GROUP and its brands. With the TRATON Modular System (TMS), we aim to standardize interfaces within powertrain group product management – thereby ensuring that TRATON and its brands can operate even more efficiently and purposefully in the future. This applies not only to research and development but also to production, purchasing, sales and marketing. To achieve this, I make sure that each member of the team takes responsibility. This management style transforms a good team into a great one. The foundation of this approach is my commitment to listening carefully to my colleagues and considering their different viewpoints when making decisions.
Since January 2025, I have been working in Södertälje again and living with my family in Stockholm – a great city with a fantastic mix of urban energy and breathtaking natural beauty on the doorstep. In the spring and summer, outdoor activities such as mountain biking and running are on the agenda, and in the winter, we enjoy skiing. Is there anything I miss about the US? Oh yes – the delicious Mexican food. I’m already looking forward to my next business trip to the United States and to visiting a typical cantina.
Greetings from Sweden,
Emil Bojvall
