EU approves new truck designs

The European Union has given the green light to allow for more aerodynamic trucks, but their introduction is still around eight years away

Last week the European Union approved a law that will ultimately see the introduction of cab-over truck models with longer, more aerodynamic noses, but a three-year moratorium agreed to by EU member states will mean the first examples won't reach European roads until around 2022.

European manufacturers Volvo and Renault – backed by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) – had been pushing for more time to develop their designs.

The EU had originally hoped to see the new designs introduced in 2017, but manufacturers successfully lobbied to see the date pushed back until 2025. Last week's decision has essentially brought the introduction forward by three years, to around 2022.

The new law, which is essentially a revision to the EU's Weight and Dimensions Directive concerning heavy commercial vehicles, must now be approved formally by the EU's individual member states, before work can begin on drafting the specific safety requirements for the new designs.

At the moment trucks in Europe are restricted to a maximum cab length of 2.35m, resulting in the traditional box-like cab-over design. Authorities have approved the revision to allow for longer nose sections, thereby raising fuel economy through enhanced aerodynamics and improving pedestrian safety by incorporating a crumple zone.

According to William Todts, spokesperson for environmental group Transport & Environment, the revision is a victory for common sense but it should be ushered in sooner.

"This deal signals the end of dangerous and inefficient brick-shaped trucks," he said.

"This is good news for hauliers and truck drivers and, above all, for pedestrians and cyclists, who'll be much safer. But the absurd and unprecedented decision to impose a ban on new lorry designs until 2022 casts a dark shadow over the agreement."

The Secretary General of the ACEA, Erik Jonnaert, said much more work was needed to smooth the transition for manufacturers.

"The European Commission and the European Parliament have always understood the importance of lead time, planning certainty, long-term targets and cost-effectiveness," he said.

"This industry requires a predictable and supportive regulatory framework. Vehicle manufacturers may have to make significant changes to their vehicles after this legislation passes. Trucks are not developed overnight, but instead are the product of long-term research and development.

"The industry will continue its constructive dialogue on this dossier with stakeholders. We must overcome the difficulties that this short lead time presents and create meaningful regulation with realistic outcomes."

EU approves new truck designs

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