Manufacturers of heavy-duty commercial trucks and engines worldwide have endorsed a harmonized global approach as an effective pathway to further improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from commercial vehicles. Meeting in Chicago this week, the chief executives of commercial vehicle and engine manufacturers in Europe, Japan, and the United States discussed fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reductions, diesel fuel specifications, and topics related to heavy-duty engine and vehicle regulation and certification.
The meeting was chaired by Tom Linebarger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cummins Inc. This was the eleventh meeting of the chief executives to discuss global issues and address challenges facing commercial vehicle and engine manufacturers, said a release.
Summarizing the meeting, . Linebarger said, “Over the past decade engine and vehicle manufacturers have successfully reduced emissions to near zero levels and we are now increasingly focused on improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The meetings today affirmed that it is important for our industry to partner with policymakers across the globe to develop and implement agreed upon standards and procedures that will continue to drive environmental improvements, while delivering high quality products to our customers.”
The manufacturers agreed to continue their efforts to develop improved and harmonized fuels, testing, and certification practices and procedures related to criteria emissions reductions, fuel efficiency improvements and greenhouse gas reductions. “Adoption of consistent global specifications, procedures and approval requirements related to improved fuel quality, exhaust emissions and energy efficiency standards will significantly improve the ability of manufacturers to help our commercial vehicle customers succeed, while allowing us all to more quickly reach global environmental goals,” Mr. Linebarger.
Continuing the progress made at previous meetings, the chief executives discussed topics related to:
• adoption of a world-wide heavy-duty emissions certification procedure,
• harmonization of fuel specifications and regulations,
• progress in the harmonization of fuel efficiency assessment methods including vehicle simulation modeling,
• fuel efficiency improvements and greenhouse gas reductions, and
• requirements for certification of heavy-duty hybrid vehicles.
At the meeting, the chief executives of the assembled companies agreed to continue their joint efforts to work with government bodies to promote harmonized global standards.
Susumu Hosoi, President of Isuzu Motors Ltd., extended an invitation to the chief executives to hold their 2014 meeting in Tokyo.
In addition to the participation of the chief executives, the meeting brought together representatives of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), and the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA).
