Transport and logistics companies could be able to enjoy significant cost reductions if Volvo's latest experiments are successful.
The Swedish vehicle manufacturer has recently been using lightweight technology in aircraft components, although it believes the same engineering principles could be applied to trucks.
It is now aiming to produce a much lighter heavy goods vehicle and have it on the road within ten years.
Carl Fredrik Hartung, project manager at Volvo Technology, said less weight would result in greater fuel efficiency, which could help both bottom line costs for hauliers.
Indeed, the Road Haulage Association has this week argued that rising petrol prices are proving harmful to the sector, which in turn is damaging the UK's chances of emerging from the recession fairly soon.
Mr Hartung added that Volvo is using a computer programme to design a lighter vehicle that combines reduced fuel consumption with "key characteristics" such as crashworthiness and the ability to bear heavy loads.
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