Commercial vehicle manufacturers support the Commission's most stringent scenario in preparation of new European pollutant emission standards, which is known as Euro VI.

“We are global technology leaders and want to make a long-term commitment to protecting the environment,” said Aad L. Goudriaan, chairman of the commercial vehicles board of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association. “Our efforts will reduce emission levels from trucks to the most ambitious level possible and result in a substantial contribution to further improving air quality.”

The past decade has already seen a substantial decrease in emission levels from commercial vehicles. The most advanced trucks on the market produce 75 per cent less nitrogen oxide and 94 per cent less particulate matter than Euro I trucks in the early 1990s. Particulate matter emissions from the total truck fleet in the EU15 are 40 per cent lower than a decade ago, despite the 50 per cent increase in number of kilometres driven. “We are now seeking harmonisation of standards worldwide,” Goudriaan added.