Joachim Drees, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus, has been elected to chair the Commercial Vehicle Board of Directors of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) for 2018. ACEA’s Commercial Vehicle Board elects a new Chairman for a yearly term. Mr. Drees takes over the role from Mr. Preston Feight, President of DAF Trucks.
After this election, Drees stated: “Our priorities for the year ahead include further reducing CO2 emissions from road transport and continuing our commitment to safety improvements as well as harnessing the potential of connected and automated driving to contribute to both these goals.”
2018 will be a landmark year for Europe’s commercial vehicle industry, with important pieces of legislation in the pipeline. These include a proposal for the introduction of standards for CO2 emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and the revision of the General Safety Regulation.
Another focus area for ACEA this year will be to continue its pioneering work in the field of truck platooning, the linking of two or more trucks in convoy, using connectivity technology and automated driving support systems, with a view to making platoons with trucks of different brands a reality in the near future.