Brussels, 20/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European Automobile Manufacturer's Association (ACEA) and the International Road Transport Union (IRU) have reiterated the need for a global approach to cutting down CO2 emissions, rather than focusing on the aerodynamic design of lorry cabins.
Energy performance. The revision of Directive 96/53/EC is currently being negotiated at an inter-institutional level and the two organisations are recommending to the negotiators that longer lorries can be manufactured for “better overall energy efficiency” rather than them relying solely on additional aerodynamic performance improvements. Moreover, in the current shape of the text being negotiated, any increase in vehicle length, including the vehicle cabs, would have to include aerodynamic, safety and comfort improvements for drivers. Erik Jonnaert, the secretary general of ACEA, said there are many more effective ways of reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than entirely redesigning the cabin. This is why the two organisations say that the best way forward is by way of a whole vehicle approach rather than focusing on the lorry driver's cabin.
Application. Two rounds of negotiations have already taken place with regard to this review and the next meeting is planned for 1 December. So far, there has been no consensus obtained on any of the different factors and only the technical aspects have been discussed. The most difficult aspect to negotiate is likely to involve the deadlines for applying the authorised modifications for lorry designs. The Council is calling for seven years after the adoption of the revised directive. In defence of road safety, the European Parliament is not prepared to accept this. The Italian presidency, however, is hoping to reach an agreement by the end of its mandate (EUROPE 11192). (MD)