Harald Seidel, President of DAF Trucks, has been elected Chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Board of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) for the year 2024.
In a transformative year for the European truck industry, Seidel emphasized the pivotal role of negotiations on the CO2 regulation for heavy-duty vehicles. “2024 will be a game-changing year for the European truck industry. Firstly, negotiations on the CO2 regulation for heavy-duty vehicles, which enshrines more ambitious decarbonization targets for trucks and buses into law, should be wrapped up over the coming months,” stated Seidel. “Let there be no doubt: truck and bus manufacturers are dedicating all their efforts to help decarbonize road transport. But policymakers must match the ambitious targets for vehicle manufacturers with equally ambitious conditions to enable their market uptake.”
“Europe’s whole heavy-duty transport ecosystem requires a rapid transformation, involving efforts from a wide range of public and private actors – not just truck makers,” cautioned Seidel. “We are playing our part by investing billions in zero-emission battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, and this is already paying dividends for Europe’s green transition.”
“But our efforts are being impeded by a lack of three crucial elements: charging and hydrogen refilling infrastructure, effective carbon pricing schemes, and measures to support transport operators to replace conventional vehicles with zero-emission models,” Seidel added.
“Trucks remain the most flexible, responsive, and economical mode of transport, ensuring goods reach consumers, and keeping society on the move. European policymakers must not lose sight of this ahead of crucial European elections and a new European Commission mandate in 2024,” added Seidel. “Together, through better collaboration, we can both tackle climate change and safeguard competitiveness.”
Beyond CO2 targets, 2024 holds challenges for truck makers, including Euro 7 efforts, pending Weights and Dimensions Directive, and potential new data rules. Elected by ACEA’s Commercial Vehicle Board members, Seidel succeeds Martin Lundstedt, CEO of Volvo Group, who served in the position for the past two years.
