News

At this year's IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover, three influential groups put forward the case for the introduction of longer, heavier vehicles (LHVs).

The International Road Transport Union (IRU), German car and truck manufacturer lobby group VDA and the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA)  are all campaigning for the European Union to introduce LHVs. Their argument rests on the vehicles' efficiency, safety and lower emissions.

VDA president Matthias Wissmann says: "Tests in Germany have shown that fuel savings between 15% and 30% can be achieved when LHVs are used. Looking to the future when road traffic will increase, we have the possibility to become more efficient. For rail and waterways there will still be plenty of business."

IRU president Janusz Lancy referred to a new EU study, which concludes that the use of the LHV concept with its increased load volume does save fuel and increase transport efficiency. He comments: "This way we could save five million tonnes of CO₂ per year."

ACEA general secretary Ivan Hodac adds: "Pushing ahead with LHVs would be a positive thing for transport efficiency, road safety and the climate. It would also make rail transport more efficient. We need better transport efficiency to keep  Europe's industry moving."