Brussels, December 5, 2013 – European commercial vehicle manufacturers today emphasized the importance of innovation for an industry that is making huge strides in the safety and fuel efficiency of its vehicles. Collaborating on innovation today will deliver the truck of the future tomorrow.
The confirmation came during a keynote speech by Wolfgang Bernhard, CEO of Daimler Trucks and Chairman of the Commercial Vehicles Board of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). Bernhard was speaking at ACEA’s annual transport policy event in Brussels.
European car manufacturers invest €36 billion in research annually. Thanks to this, the commercial vehicle industry has made a special effort to reach certain milestones, such as Euro VI emission standards and the installation of life-saving technologies.
Dr. Bernhard focused on safety, saying: “Technological progress in safety is impressive. It is a real success story of the joint efforts of EU policymakers and our industry. While transport performance has grown by 15% since 2000, the number of truck accidents resulting in fatalities has decreased by 15%.” 60%. Regarding CO2 in commercial vehicles and fuel efficiency, Dr. Bernhard said: “Trucks and vans are among the cleanest and most efficient means of transport, especially here in Europe. Taking payload and average fuel consumption into account, we have the lowest CO2 emissions in all major areas.
The ACEA event, now in its tenth year, explored the theme of the truck of the future: innovative, fuel efficient, safe, and also included a showcase of the latest truck tractor models from each of the association’s members. Dr. Bernhard laid out the clear business case for advanced, innovative, clean and safe commercial vehicles, saying: “Let’s give our customers full transparency about fuel efficiency, and let them decide. The most successful products will be better for the environment, the economy and customers.”
Dr Bernhard’s speech was followed by a discussion where a number of key stakeholders from policy making, business and vehicle manufacturing gave their views on the progress made towards making Europe’s trucks, vans and buses cleaner, safer and more efficient. Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for Climate Action, and Olga Sihnalova, Member of the European Parliament, also spoke at the event.
About the association
The Association of European Automobile Manufacturers (ACEA) is a Brussels-based trade association of 15 major producers of cars, trucks, lorries and buses in Europe. ACEA 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 at www.twitter.com/ACEA_auto or www.linkedin.com/company/ACEA/. Contact: Cara McLaughlin, Communications Director, cm@acea.auto, +32 485 88 66 47.
About the automobile industry in the European Union
12.9 million Europeans work in the automotive sector 8.3% of all EU manufacturing jobs €392.2 billion in tax revenues for European governments €101.9 billion EU trade surplus More than 7% of EU GDP generated by the automobile industry €59.1 billion in Annual R&D spending, 31% of EU total
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