Scania shows ‘full commitment’ to sustainable transport solutions

During the first four months of 2016, sales in Europe’s commercial vehicle (CV) segment rose by 12.8% to 758,566 units compared to the same period in 2015, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). Light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales grew by 11.8% while heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) sales climbed 19.6%. Italy (+29.2%), Spain (+12.9%), France (+10.1%), Germany (+10.0%) and the UK (+4.1%) all witnessed growth, both in the LCV and HCV segments. Registrations of new medium and heavy buses and coaches (MHBC) that weigh over 3.5 tonnes also rose by 3.5%.

While growth in the market is good news for OEMs, ACEA’s President Dieter Zetsche said it poses challenges in terms of reducing emissions from the CV segment. At a board meeting in Berlin on 1 June 2016, he said: “We need a comprehensive approach that reduces CO2 emissions more effectively by drawing on the full spectrum of solutions, including vehicle technology, cleaner fuels, altering driver behaviour, improving infrastructure, and introducing intelligent transport systems.”