Leading Trailer Makers Sue EU Over 'Impractical' CO2 Emission Rules
Eight leading European truck trailer manufacturers, including Fliegl, Kögel, Krone, and others, have launched a legal challenge against a new EU regulation aimed at reducing CO2 emissions from trailers. The companies, which account for over 80% of relevant registrations in Germany and over 70% in Europe, argue that the regulation is impractical and could have serious consequences for transport efficiency and employment in the countries they operate.
The regulation, known as Regulation (EU) 2024/1610, requires manufacturers to reduce CO2 emissions from semi-trailers by 10% and other trailers by 7.5% by 2030. This is despite the fact that trailers themselves do not produce any emissions. The companies argue that the EU simulation tool 'VECTO-Trailer', used to calculate these emissions, is impractical and does not reflect real-world conditions in the countries they operate.
The regulation also imposes annual fines of 4,250 euros per vehicle and gram of CO2 per tonne/kilometer from 2030 if manufacturers fail to comply. The companies warn that these fines could have a significant impact on their businesses and the wider transport industry in the countries they operate. They also criticize the regulation for not crediting emission-free tractors towards the trailer targets.
The Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has supported the companies' appeal, stating that the CO2 requirements are not technically feasible and would be economically harmful in the countries they operate.
The companies have demanded the abolition of the simulation tool and a moratorium on penalty payments. They have also called for emission-free tractors to be credited towards the trailer targets. The case is now before the European Court of Justice, with the companies hoping for a reversal of the regulation's key provisions in the countries they operate.
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