Thursday, April 25, 2013
SMMT Transport News Brief
Welcome to Transport News Brief
After much lobbying by SMMT and other stakeholders in the UK and Brussels, the EU Commission has officially adopted its long awaited proposal to revise Directive 96/53/EC on masses and dimensions.
The proposal will have to go to the European Parliament and Member States for discussion, revision and adoption. Beyond that will be complex and lengthy negotiations on the detail, but nonetheless this is very welcome news for the CV industry.
The proposal is to allow an increase in length of up to two metres for the addition of aerodynamic devices to the rear of vehicles, and possibly to enable the vehicle cabs to be redesigned to improve fuel consumption and potentially the driver's field of vision.
Also, the proposal plans to authorise a weight increase of one tonne for vehicles with an electric or hybrid drivetrain without prejudice to the payload. Similarly, two-axle buses and coaches would also gain a weight allowance to take account of new equipment imposed by safety regulations.
Nigel Base - SMMT Commercial Vehicle Manager
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DATED: 25.04.13
FEED: HA
