FlapBacked Trucks to Save Lives Energy in Europe

Flap-Backed Trucks to Save Lives, Energy in Europe

April 15, 2013
With road transport accounting for more than 70% of inland freight in Europe, a change in the specifications would also "give European manufacturers a head-start in designing the truck of the future," Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas said.

BRUSSELS -- Rolling out round-nosed trucks with airplane-style flaps at the back on Europe's roads would cut fuel costs, reduce carbon emissions and save lives, while giving a boost to the struggling auto sector, the European Commission said Monday.

"A brick is the least aerodynamic shape you can imagine, that's why we need to improve the shape of our trucks on the roads," said Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas, calling for a change to 1996 specifications for heavy goods vehicles.

Brussels argues that aerodynamic trucks would cut fuel-guzzling and greenhouse gas emissions up to 10% while improving a driver's field of vision, saving hundreds of lives of vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

A typical long-distance lorry covering 100,000 kilometers (60,000 miles) a year would save 5,000 euros in fuel annually, Kallas said.

So the new rounded trucks would be particularly profitable for the one million -- of the 6.5 million on Europe's roads - that regularly travel long distances.

With road transport accounting for more than 70% of inland freight in Europe, a change in the specifications would also "give European manufacturers a head-start in designing the truck of the future," Kallas said.

The EU executive's proposal must be adopted by the European Parliament and the 27 European Union members before becoming law, meaning the new trucks could be on roads by 2018 to 2020 if the rules are agreed upon.

The proposals made no mention of allowing so-called 'gigatrucks' or 'megatrucks' -- somewhat like Australia's fabled road-trains which can have two or even three trailers in tow. Kallas last year said the use of longer vehicles was a matter for each member state.

In January, Brussels set new rules to ensure that trucks and buses rolling off assembly lines this year will produce significantly less harmful exhaust fumes.

The European Commission said the new norms, known as Euro VI and replacing standards set in 2008, will cut nitrogen oxide emissions 80% and particulates 66%.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2013

About the Author

Agence France-Presse

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2002-2024. AFP text, photos, graphics and logos shall not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. AFP shall not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions in any AFP content, or for any actions taken in consequence.

Sponsored Recommendations

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!