Volvo Group President and CEO: 3 reasons we need a Single Market
By Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of Volvo Group
Electric solutions cannot move forward without the support of united legislation. The technology is already here – we have electric trucks, construction machines and buses on the roads today – but the divergent approaches of governance across Europe is putting the brakes on wider adoption.
Two of the sectors most affected by emissions reduction obligations are transport and manufacturing, both of which will need specific policies to accelerate their transition towards greener products. While European truck manufacturers are adapting quickly to meet this transition, the European Union needs to support their ability to deploy those solutions across the continent – and the world.
Which is why, together with my colleagues at the European Round Table (ERT) for Industry – formed to advocate for a more competitive European economy – I am making a personal plea to urge national and local policy makers across the EU to jointly decide and implement firm plans to regulate urban areas into zero emission zones. This is one of the best ways that they could boost the Green Deal while incentivizing green innovation across the transport industry.
And here are three reasons why they should listen.
1. It will make our cities cleaner
Cities are our biggest polluters. They cover a tiny three per cent of land on Earth yet produce about 72% of all global greenhouse gas emissions. It is therefore paramount that we make those places as safe, healthy and pollution-free as possible in order to preserve the wellbeing of future generations. Electromobility, powered by both batteries and fuel cells together with automation, is an essential part of the solution. They will not only radically reduce emissions but will go a long way towards reducing noise pollution too – making cities more enjoyable places to live, work and play.
But to make this brighter future a reality, we need to accelerate the adoption of electric solutions, and this can only be done with a harmonized single market approach towards zero emission city zones.
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2. It will bring in the united legislation we urgently need
We know that by adopting only zero emission vehicles and machines, cities can effectively accelerate and drive the green transition. But getting there is the challenge.
Currently, a truck or bus being granted access in one urban area might not benefit from the same type of access in a different city in an adjacent member state. Take for example two Scandinavian neighbors: Denmark and Sweden. Copenhagen in Denmark places an emission limit for transport of Euro V, while Malm? in Sweden has Euro VI. These two cities have a very long history of cooperation and are less than 8 km driving distance apart, yet they face two very different regulations. Since Euro VI is the latest emission step in Europe, implemented as a requirement for vehicle sales across the EU since 2014, it would be natural to harmonize this to Euro VI for all cities in Europe.
The good news for now is that Copenhagen will finally align with Malm? and use Euro VI from this year, but this kind of alignment is needed on a much broader scale across Europe. Alignment that can be made possible with a single market. While doing this much needed alignment, let’s also leave the diesel standards of Euro-classes behind and go for zero emissions for all cities.
3. It will position the EU as global leaders
A network of quieter, emission-free electric-powered transport would address several areas affecting the wellbeing of our citizens – most notably air pollution and noise. It is an important step towards not only a climate-neutral Europe, but also a climate-neutral world.
What an opportunity the EU has in its grasp, therefore, to prove itself as a forerunner for other markets – collaborating across regions to demonstrate that the alignment of regulations and infrastructure requirements across municipality boundaries will allow for sustainable transport to flourish. As the EU rebuilds its economy after the pandemic, it must ensure that it delivers the twin green and digital transitions which have been promised to Europe’s citizens. Deeper integration of various markets across the EU can secure Europe’s globally leading position in efficient and sustainable transport.?
It is an opportunity to strengthen the innovation and competitiveness of the sector. Let’s not miss this chance.
Sr. Engineering Manager of Reliability at The largest top rated in the world
1 年Unification of electric vehicles is not the answer for the world. Carbon neutrality is a major misunderstood premise. It may be for the European Union. It’s not the answer for the rest of the ethical and free world. No one in their right mind in the free world joins a one agenda European market. To have fabricated agenda - European leaders are trying to control the world economy and get everyone on board through scare tactics and environmental mumbo jumbo. He’s not worried about the environment he’s worried about his big fat paycheck. Martin Lundstedt at Volvo AB is $51,610,000. There are no executives at Volvo AB getting paid more. However there’s more- Volvo AB executives and other stock owners filed with the SEC include: Martin Lundstedt President, Chief Executive Officer, Member of the Group Executive Board, Director. He’s listed twice and double dips huge untold stock and dividends that are not recorded as earnings. There needs to be some transparency from all these European executives and board members sitting on each other’s boards to secure each other’s wrath and future. Just wait for it . Tears for fears! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SFU1GeGFpzY
Owner
2 年Good afternoon, This is a text message I received from a sales associate at Volvo Tucson, I have purchased two vehicles regardless I am shocked at what this gentleman texted my wife. Just a little background of the story we purchased a V90 Type R wagon love the car as well purchase an extended warranty. We had a problem and service gave us a loaner which we pay for in or warranty. The service had taken 5 or six days sales person texts my wife this and mind you they gave Ilya or car back on under a quarter tank it was dropped off full and we gave them the loaner back full which was given to us on a quarter tank. He is the text from James at Volvo of Tucson. “Good morning, I just wanted you to know I lost my sale on the car we loaned you because of the condition you returned it in. We will need to professionally detail it again due to the absolutely trashed condition you left it in . I was shocked and so was my customer who was waiting for it’s arrival. I guess this is not the first time you have returned a car in this condition. It’s just hard to believe somebody would treat a premium luxury vehicle like that that was loaned to them at no charge. We will most likely need to make other arrangements next time for a vehicle.”
Consultant
2 年Working together has unlimited benefits.
Innovation | Technology | Strategy
2 年well said. The policymakers and vehicle manufacturers have to define a common set of objectives within each climatic zones or region wise which are more sustainable and yet economical. While there is an increased demand for Electrification of vehicles and equipment, the production of Electricity from Non-polluting sources also needs to be considered in the same policy definitions. All the best for Volvo Group initiatives!
Jr. Manager NPD at Pitti Castings Pvt. Ltd.
2 年Teamworks is together work,We can challenge any work and make do it.