Executives of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles and engines are urging government authorities worldwide to harmonize environmental standards and test procedures to promote the rapid development and deployment of environmentally friendly technologies.

At the 2nd Global Commercial Vehicle Meeting, held on the opening day of the Tokyo Motor Show (see related story, page 1), the executives recognized that their companies had made significant progress reducing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. They agreed that more work remained, particularly in light of the more stringent emissions requirements in Europe, Japan and the U.S.

In a joint statement issued following the meeting, the executives said differences in exhaust emissions limits and test methods make it more difficult for vehicle manufacturers to develop, build and certify cleaner engines and vehicles for each of their markets. They concluded that harmonizing international standards would allow the industry to more rapidly deploy new technologies to reduce emissions, increase energy efficiency and promote safety worldwide.

The joint statement further indicated that they supported:

• The global use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, which will lead to significantly lower diesel emissions.
• Ongoing efforts of the United Nations Economic Commission of Europe (UN-ECE) to develop standardized emissions testing methods and regulations.
• Efforts to enhance global road safety.

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association and two American organizations, the Engine Manufacturers Association and the Truck Manufacturers Association, organized the meeting.