European, Japanese, North American heavy-duty engine, vehicle manufacturers call for harmonisation

The meeting was hosted by Mr. Daniel C. Ustian, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Navistar, Inc. This was the eighth meeting of the chief executives to discuss global issues and recommend solutions to address critical challenges facing commercial vehicle manufacturers.

Even as the industry faces significant challenges brought on by worldwide economic conditions over the last three years, the chief executives recognized the importance of moving forward to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One key to that effort is working to harmonize vehicle and fuel requirements across governments and regions so that manufacturers can achieve economies of scale and work towards uniform specifications and requirements.

Summarizing the meeting, Mr. Ustian stated “As we enter the second decade of the new millennium, engine and vehicle manufacturers have successfully reduced emissions, while maintaining fuel efficiency, through the application of new, clean diesel technology. Our efforts now focus on improving fuel efficiency to better serve our customers and the global environment. We can best accomplish that when government and industry work together toward a common goal, measured by an established set of compatible global standards and measurement procedures.”

The manufacturers meeting today agreed to pursue efforts across the globe to develop harmonized fuel, testing, and certification practices and procedures related to fuel efficiency improvements and greenhouse gas reductions. “As key participants in the goods movement and freight transport sectors, the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers assembled here today recognize the importance of energy security, improved fuel efficiency and climate change,” continued Mr. Ustian. “Conflicting and inefficient regulatory requirements and different specifications and testing requirements hinder our ability to introduce innovative technologies and make needed improvements. Today’s meeting made significant progress towards advancing our efforts to promote harmonized improvements across the globe.”

Continuing the progress made at previous meetings, the chief executives discussed topics related to:

• adoption of a world-wide heavy-duty emissions certification procedure,
• harmonization of fuel specifications and regulations,
• fuel efficiency improvements and greenhouse gas reductions, and
• requirements for certification of heavy-duty hybrid vehicles.

Among the principles agreed to at the meeting regarding fuel efficiency regulations were:

• the need for uniform regional programs, coordinated internationally,
• common metrics based on work performed,
• cost effective and implementable programs that provide leadtime and stability, and
• programs that are compatible with the complexities of the heavy-duty marketplace.

The chief executives of the assembled companies agreed to continue their joint efforts to work with government bodies to promote harmonized global standards. Cooperative efforts between industry and governments that cross country or regional boundaries can serve to promote positive improvements for customers and the global environment.

Mr. Yoshio Shirai, President of Hino Motors, Ltd., Japan, extended an invitation to the chief executives to hold their 2011 meeting in Japan.

In addition to the participation of the chief executives, the meeting brought together representatives of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA).