Fuel consumption and GHG emissions of trucks can be further reduced by regulatory harmonisation

Brussels, 10 March 2016 – The world’s leading manufacturers of heavy-duty commercial trucks and engines called for further progress in regulatory harmonisation and closer cooperation among European, North American, and Japanese regulators in order to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel consumption associated with on-road freight transport.

Meeting in Brussels, the chief executives of more than 10 global truck and engine manufacturers discussed key issues facing their industry, including fuel efficiency improvements, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, safety, diesel fuel specifications, and issues related to heavy-duty engine and vehicle regulation and certification. Moreover, the industry leaders also explored the potential of intelligent transport systems (ITS) to further reduce emissions and improve road transport.

Chaired by Mr Martin Lundstedt, Chairman of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association’s (ACEA) Commercial Vehicle Board, President and CEO of Volvo Group, this was the chief executives’ thirteenth meeting to discuss global issues facing commercial vehicle manufacturers and recommend solutions to these critical challenges.

Summarising the meeting, Mr Lundstedt stated “heavy-duty engine and vehicle manufacturers are making clear progress in exhaust emission reductions and fuel efficiency improvements with sustained efforts. Accelerating efforts aimed at harmonisation of test procedures and standards are needed to further advance the global objective of greenhouse gas reductions. The chief executives also agreed on the need to further develop active safety measures as well as the need to explore the benefits of intelligent transport systems (ITS). The best approach to reach this objective is for governments and industry to work together.”

Advancing the progress made at previous meetings, the chief executives discussed issues related to:

  • Fuel efficiency improvements and reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions;
  • Safety measures;
  • Intelligent transport systems (ITS); and
  • Harmonisation of diesel fuel specifications and regulations.

Points agreed at this thirteenth gathering of industry leaders included:

  • Proposal for a long-term action on the introduction of globally harmonised fuel efficiency measurement metrics and test procedures for heavy-duty vehicles;
  • The need for further discussions on safety measures and ITS.

The leaders of the assembled companies a) emphasised the need for concerted global action for GHG emissions reductions; b) referred to the progress made in UN discussions on the development of global diesel fuel specifications, and c) confirmed the need for further discussions on safety measures and ITS.

Agreeing to advise their regional secretariats to continue the activities of the joint experts’ meetings, they also affirmed that trans-national/trans-regional cooperative efforts between industry and governments toward global harmonisation can serve to promote improvements for customers and the global environment.

Also attending this meeting were delegates of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA), and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).


Notes for editors

For further information regarding the meeting, please contact:

  • Europe: Cara McLaughlin, ACEA, +32 2 738 73 45
  • US: Joe Suchecki, EMA, +1 312 929 1978
  • Japan: Yoshihiro Yano, JAMA, +81 3 5405 6126

About ACEA

  • The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) is the Brussels-based trade association of the 14 major car, van, truck and bus producers in Europe.
  • The ACEA commercial vehicle members are DAF Trucks, Daimler Truck, Ford Trucks, Iveco Group, MAN Truck & Bus, Scania, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, and Volvo Group.
  • Visit www.acea.auto for more information about ACEA, and follow us on www.twitter.com/ACEA_auto or www.linkedin.com/company/ACEA/.
  • Contact: Cara McLaughlin, Communications Director, cm@acea.auto, +32 485 88 66 47.

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About the EU automobile industry

  • 13.0 million Europeans work in the automotive sector
  • 11.5% of all manufacturing jobs in the EU
  • €374.6 billion in tax revenue for European governments
  • €101.9 billion trade surplus for the European Union
  • Over 7% of EU GDP generated by the auto industry
  • €59.1 billion in R&D spending annually, 31% of EU total
Content type Press release
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