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

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).