Heavy-duty truck and engine manufactures agree global approaches 05 November 2014

The world's largest heavy-duty truck and engine manufacturers are calling for more progress over regulatory harmonisation for fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions through greater cooperation among European, North American and Japanese regulators.

Meeting in Tokyo recently, chief executives of more than 10 global manufacturers discussed these key issues -- and others, including safety, diesel fuel specifications, and heavy-duty engine and vehicle regulation and certification.

Chaired by Susumu Hosoi, president of Isuzu Motors and chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association's Heavy Vehicle Committee, this was the chief executives' 12th such meeting.

"Heavy-duty engine and vehicle manufacturers are making clear progress in exhaust emission reductions and fuel efficiency improvements with sustained efforts," comments Hosoi.

"We confirmed that accelerating efforts aimed at harmonisation of test procedures and standards are needed to further advance the global objective of greenhouse gas reductions," he continues.

"We also confirmed the need to continue to discuss safety measures. The best approach to reach this objective is for governments and industry to work together."

Hosoi summarises four main outcomes from the meeting:

First, these key transport engineering business leaders agreed on the need for concerted global action for greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Secondly, they agreed to work with their governments not only to expand WHDC (world harmonised duty cycle) but also to support the United Nations in the establishment of a globally harmonised hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS) procedure for use in heavy-duty hybrid certification.

Thirdly, they agreed to monitor progress so far in UN discussions on the development of global diesel fuel specifications.

And fourthly, they confirmed the need for further discussions on safety measures.

Agreeing to advise their regional secretariats to continue the activities of the joint experts meetings, they also affirmed that trans-national/trans-regional cooperative efforts between industry and governments toward global harmonisation can serve to promote improvements for customers and the global environment.

Also attending this meeting were representatives of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA), and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
ACEA
Isuzu Truck (UK) Ltd

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