Dr Bernhard succeeds Andreas Renschler who moved from the Daimler Trucks Division to the company’s Mercedes-Benz unit earlier this year.

Commenting about pressing issues going forwards, Dr Bernhard stressed the importance of pan-industry collaboration, saying: ‘As commercial vehicle manufacturers, we can only be successful and sustainable in the long run if we jointly articulate and address our industry’s developments, progress and needs, and make these known to political decision-makers.’

Dr Bernhard also spoke in regard to the EU proposals on CO2 targets for commercial vehicles and drew attention to the industry's strong track record in reducing CO2 emissions, which have been achieved at the same time as the dramatic decreases in NOx and particulate matter from the EURO standards.

‘In the years ahead, we will continue to invest billions of euros in research and development in this area, and I’m convinced that we will reach our Vision 2020 target,’ stated Dr Bernhard. Under the Vision 2020 initiative, the European commercial vehicle industry pledged to reduce CO2 emissions by 20% per tonne-kilometre by 2020, compared to 2005 levels.

Dr Bernhard also said there is an urgent need to inform policy makers about vehicle requirements with regard to weight and dimensions.

‘Aerodynamic improvements have greatly contributed to reducing fuel consumption and increasing efficiency,’ he stated.

His comments follow the European Commission’s proposed introduction of new lorry design rules that will offer environmental and safety benefits.

In response, the ACEA says the commercial vehicle industry stresses the need for flexibility to design the safest and most fuel-efficient vehicles according to their usage, rather than imposing a fixed design.

It adds that a revision of the weights and dimensions direction based on only a “derogation from total vehicle length” will provide little opportunity to improve truck cabs. It should also not be forgotten that the greatest fuel savings (5-6%) can be achieved through improvements to the rear of the truck, which could be implemented across the fleet within three to four years.

‘We have to explain these facts more clearly and effectively so that they are taken into account in the current political debate,’ added Dr Bernhard.