“At first glance, it appears that the Commission's new transport policy has been adapted to take account of more market-oriented realities. Not only does it recognise the transport sector’s central role in the European economy and in providing employment, it also takes a more realistic view of the importance of all modes of transport working together," says Stefan Lorentzson, Head of Volvo Group Representation EU

 

“Europe must stop viewing road transport only as a problem, and instead see it as an opportunity. At the same time, non-road transport modes must raise their game.”

 

“It is clear that efficient transport systems are a pre-requisite for economic growth and for the development of a sustainable society. Transport has been instrumental in achieving growth, and will continue to form the backbone of our society. Having said that, we need at the same time to do more to tackle negative impacts like congestion, pollution and accidents. Investment in clean, efficient and safe transport should provide the best of all worlds, a competitive Europe and a sustainable future.”

 

“The European Commission’s approach recognises the road transport sector’s central role in Europe’s economy, and its contribution to employment. We look forward to working closely with the Commission, the European Parliament and national legislators, and also with colleagues from other transport modes, to put its proposals into action.”

 

“We therefore particularly welcome the co-modality strategy launched by Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot, aiming to bring together all modes of transport in responding to the various challenges we all face. Volvo believes that the mid-term review can be the foundation for a political environment that supports clarity, consistency and a level playing field over a long period of time, and for all modes of transport. Rather than decrease mobility, the policy aims to promote the optimal use of all modes of transport, and thus contribute to the more efficient use of existing infrastructure and vehicles through the logistics chain.”

 

“Our industry has already made its own substantial contribution to a cleaner environment through new vehicle technologies, investment in alternative fuels, and more efficient logistics practices. But while the road transport sector has gone a long way – and we think that cooperation between our industry and legislators can be seen as something of a role model – there are still many areas where we need to work more closely together.”

 

“Next to the mid-term review’s environmental aspects, we would endorse the Commission's continued emphasis on road safety. We are particularly eager to leverage current knowledge regarding vehicle design, technology and driver behaviour along the lines concluded by the CARS 21 group.”

 

“Of particular interest to Volvo is the Commission’s focus on developing a strategy for freight transport logistics in Europe. We believe that a key element of this strategy must be the adaptation of dimensions of vehicles to meet the needs of intelligent logistics. In particular, if all EU member states adopted the Euro Modular System, which is about longer trucks, we would be able to decrease the number of cross-border long-haul trucks by a third, and thus decrease emissions by some 15-20%. According to Swedish government estimates, emissions from heavy-duty vehicles would have increased by 700,000 tons of CO₂ and 12,000 tons of NOx if Sweden had reduced its 24 metre vehicles for the European standard 18.75m when it entered the European Union in 1995.”

 

“Because they are a matter of global concern, emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases must be addressed at a global level. We stand ready to support the Commission in its aim of increasing the Union’s role in addressing these challenges. Consensus on global standards would speed up the implementation of measures needed to secure a safe environment. In particular, we believe that globally accepted test methods and emission standards as well as a global break-through on low-sulphur fuels are key to delivering these environmental goals.”

 

“As 90% of all goods are transported by road, a lot of unnecessary emissions in fact stem from inadequate roads and congestion. Major bottlenecks need to be tackled through substantially increased infrastructure investment and through the accelerated development of intelligent transport systems that can optimise existing infrastructure, enhance safety and eliminate wasteful traffic movements.”

 

“Last but not least, we at Volvo Group believe that it is important to address the issue of European competitiveness. Our industry is experiencing ever greater competition from the United States and Asia. With this very much in mind, we would underline the vital importance of modernising Europe’s transport systems because they govern the competitiveness of business.”

 

“The Commission’s mid-term review sets out a clear route map for enhancing the performance of the transport sector and, by doing so, improving the competitiveness of the European economy. At Volvo we are fully committed to accelerating our pace along this route in pursuit of the goal of a sustainable economy and society.