Truck makers have called for the introduction of 32 metre (105 ft) long vehicles to Europe’s roads arguing that they would reduce CO2 emissions by more than a quarter.
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) says that planned EU CO2 standards for heavy duty vehicles will not be enough to bring down the total CO2 emissions from road transport.
ACEA is proposing a total vehicle length of 32 metres which allow a load capacity of 200 cu m. It reckons three such vehicles could replace six 16.5m artics resulting in a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of some 27 per cent.
Secretary general Erik Jonnaert said: “To allow the benefits of high-capacity vehicles to be felt right across the entire EU, we urge policy makers to enable the introduction of a high-capacity transport system across borders.”
The association pointed out that high-capacity vehicles in the form of European Modular System (EMS) combinations are already allowed in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, most German federal states, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. In these countries CO2 reductions have been confirmed in practice.
Earlier concerns with respect to a possible modal shift from rail to road, wear and tear of roads and bridges, and safety have also shown to be unjustified, it said.
