Brussels, 07/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - Vehicle manufacturers prefer the status quo in the revision procedure underway into the weights and dimensions of trucks. Ahead of the vote of the committee on transport of the European Parliament next week, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) argued in favour of a flexible approach, to make the most of the available technology.
Firstly, as regards the cross-border use of longer and heavier trucks, the most sensitive issue of the dossier, the ACEA simply sees no benefit in making any changes to the European directive. The Commission's proposal, which suggests that these trucks could cross borders between two consenting countries, presents no advantages; nor does it bring any clarity, and would mean that the cross-border use of the European modular system (adding an additional module to a standard truck) would no longer be possible, the association points out.
Secondly, the option to modify the design of heavy goods vehicle cabins to increase their safety and energy efficiency by improving aerodynamics is equally pointless in the eyes of the manufacturers. As regards safety, the ACEA takes the view that a technological approach to safety has already proved its worth, with, for example, cameras and proximity sensors to reduce the risks from blind spots. Lastly, as regards energy efficiency, the ACEA would rather increase the length at the rear of the truck than have longer cab fronts. “This would enable manufacturers to incorporate into vehicle design innovations which can really improve fuel efficiency and drive down emissions, but which require extra space”, explains ACEA Secretary General, Erik Jonnaert. These include alternative engines or tanks for alternative fuels. “This flexible approach would be far more ambitious, helping us put the most fuel-efficient trucks on the road”, he said. (MD/transl.fl)