Speech by Wolfgang Bernhard at ACEA Transport Policy Event 2013: Highlighting Key Points
The European truck industry is steering towards a greener and safer future, as highlighted by SRS Hille during a government press conference on September 10, 2025. The industry is open to constructive dialogue and is ready to broaden the range of thoughts and widen the perspective in the process of reducing CO2 emissions.
One of the strategies being considered is increasing the permissible length of truck combinations. This move could reduce the consumption and emissions of a 40-ton truck by up to 30%. Similarly, increasing the permissible gross vehicle weight of trucks by 4 tons can result in a 2% reduction in CO2 emissions.
The second generation of biodiesel is another promising solution, with significant improvements in CO2 emissions per liter of diesel, up to 80%. European manufacturers have also committed to a 20% fuel reduction in the period from 2005 to 2020. Today, European trucks are among the cleanest and most efficient modes of transportation, with the lowest CO2 emissions of all major regions.
The commercial vehicle market demands the lowest possible total cost of ownership, with a one or two percent drop in fuel consumption being a significant incentive in purchasing decisions. To this end, the industry is on the verge of introducing the new Euro VI emissions standard.
Telematics systems, which collect and transmit data about vehicle operation and maintenance, can have a significant impact on reducing CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. The industry supports the development of a computer simulation based on real-world data to calculate the specific emissions data for each individual truck configuration.
Improvement of transportation infrastructure is another key factor. Reducing one-stop per kilometer in stop-and-go traffic can result in CO2 reductions of up to 5%. Driver training can also play a significant role, with proper training reducing CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by around 10%.
The road freight transport industry has made significant strides in safety as well. Since 2000, the number of truck accidents with fatalities in Europe has decreased by 60%. This decrease is due to the implementation of active safety systems such as Electronic Stability Control, Lane Departure Warning Systems, Automated Emergency Braking Systems, and requirements for new cabin strength.
While rail transport is an important transport mode to tackle growing freight volumes, it lacks the capacity to shoulder it all and has insufficient speed compared to trucks. Nevertheless, the European truck industry acknowledges its role in reducing emissions and is committed to continuous improvement.
Since 1990, nitrogen oxide emissions from European commercial vehicles have been reduced by more than 97%, and particulate emissions have been reduced by more than 99%. These achievements underscore the industry's commitment to sustainability and its success in meeting environmental challenges.
The European truck industry employs more than 3.6 million people and is a significant contributor to the European economy. The industry's focus on sustainability not only benefits the environment but also ensures its continued growth and competitiveness.
In conclusion, trucks on European roads today are safer, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient than ever. European manufacturers are world leaders in fuel efficiency, with a modern long-haul truck today being over 30% more fuel-efficient than 30 years ago. The industry's ongoing efforts towards sustainability promise a brighter future for both the environment and the economy.
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