The move forms part of a broader strategy to decarbonise road freight and make zero-emission trucks more cost-competitive with diesel models. The proposal must be approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. A final vote is expected by early 2026, following ongoing consultations.

This month, our focus shifts to Europe, where the European Union (EU) has rolled back its CO₂ targets.

ACEA has published its 2024 EU commercial vehicle sales statistics, with new truck registrations declining by 6.3% (2024: 327,896 units) compared to 2023.

Whilst making the argument that Europe can maintain competitiveness whilst reaching its climate goals, the Union faces a multitude of issues relating to the rise of the Chinese EV automotive industry, pending American tariffs from the new Trump regime, internal political instability and unforeseen market reluctance relating to the uptake of zero-emission trucks.

Levin (President and CEO of Scania) takes over the function from Harald Seidel, President of DAF Trucks. He will work closely with ACEA President Ola Källenius (Mercedes-Benz Group AG chairman) who is serving in his first term.

Oberwörder succeeds Domenico Nucera, the former President of Iveco Bus. To get more zero-emission buses on the road, Oberwörder will need to bring together policymakers, bus operators, energy suppliers and manufacturers to plot a sensible way forward that not only helps decarbonise the European bus industry but also maintains the competitiveness of European bus OEMs.

Källenius’s stated priorities are to lobby for less bureaucracy, to push for a more “market-driven” transition to electric vehicles, and to champion international trade that is “free, fair and rule based”.

At IAA Transportation 2024 last month, I experienced firsthand the magnetic effect of the “Tesla phenomenon”. Towards the end of a series of keynote speeches delivered by some of the industry’s most important executives, Dan Priestley, who heads the development of Tesla’s heavy electric ‘Semi’ truck, took to the stage to provide an update on the company’s plans for the commercial vehicle segment. I had a place towards the front, having sat through the preceding talks that afternoon, which were reasonably well attended; however, looking behind just before Priestley’s entry to the stage, I saw a new crowd of attendees filling out the entire space.

According to the EU, the dates of application depend on vehicle type: “30 months for new types of cars and vans, and 42 months for new cars and vans. 48 months for new types of buses, trucks and trailers, and 60 months for new buses, lorries and trailers. 30 months for new systems, components or separate technical units to be fitted in cars and vans, and 48 months for those to be fitted in buses, lorries and trailers.”

The European Parliament in Brussels has agreed improved Weights and Dimensions Directive rules, moving from an initial 40-tonne heavy-goods gross vehicle weight limit to 44-tonnes. The caveat, however, is that after 2034, these weight exemptions will only apply to zero-emission vehicles.

For the first time, the legislation covers cars, vans, and heavy-duty vehicles in one single piece of legislation. The above-mentioned agreement retains the Euro 6 emissions limits for cars and vans but adds stricter limits for buses and trucks, whilst introducing new limits for particles emitted from the exhaust, tyres and brakes.

European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has elected Domenico Nucera (President of Iveco Bus) as Chairman of its bus and coach division for the year 2024.