Iveco presents strategies to reduce CO2 emissions in road transport at ACEA event

Iveco, the Commercial Vehicles brand of CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE: CNHI /MI: CNHI), was a key participant at the European Automobile Manufacturers Association’s (ACEA) “Reducing CO2 from road transport together,” an industry event held yesterday in the EU capital of Brussels. As a global manufacturer of commercial vehicles and a long standing member of ACEA, Iveco is committed to working together with all stakeholders to address important issues related to the environment.

Representing the company was Pierre Lahutte, Iveco Brand President, who took part in the discussion panel entitled “How can we best work together to reduce CO2 emissions from road transport?”. In his speech, he addressed CNH Industrial’s approach to reducing emissions in its commercial vehicles segment and outlined the benefits of natural gas, hybrid and plug-in technology in achieving this decrease: “A comprehensive, integrated approach is fundamental to tackling higher levels of CO2 emission reduction and doing this in a cost-effective way. Alternative powertrains for transport must be seen in the broader context, carefully balanced with European efforts towards sustainable growth and competitiveness.”

Through its Iveco, Iveco Bus and Heuliez Bus brands, CNH Industrial is the European market leader in natural gas vehicles. This is thanks to the alternative powertrain technology developed by its FPT Industrial brand, which specialises in industrial engines.

When placed alongside all current forms of alternative traction today, natural gas is the solution which offers one of the most favourable compromises between emissions, operating costs and performance. It also represents the best technical choice and is immediately available to counteract the issues of urban pollution and reduce CO2 emissions. Natural gas is also the only modern alternative fuel source that has the potential for widespread distribution in the short/medium term for commercial vehicles and buses.

An Iveco Stralis LNG Natural Power with a liquefied natural gas engine was on display for the occasion, demonstrating the LNG long-haul solutions offered by the brand. Nearly 500 of these trucks are currently circulating throughout Europe, mainly in the Netherlands, France, Spain and Corporate Communications Italy, where the presence of infrastructure for the resupply of natural gas has already been well defined.

In terms of public transport, CNH Industrial is confident that hybrid and electric plug-in evolutions are the ideal solution. Heuliez Bus is developing a solid leadership in this field, especially in France where it is positioned as the top hybrid technology brand. Since 2010, the brand has shipped more than 400 hybrid buses and is expanding outside of its native France to places such as Spain where 30 of its GX Hybrid buses are operating in Madrid and Barcelona.

Iveco is also a forerunner in the vehicle testing program Project Diciotto (Eighteen). Launched in Italy, the project tests real articulated vehicles throughout Europe to examine and collect data on the effects that an increase in their overall length to 18 metres (with semitrailers) from the current 16.5 metres would have in terms of advantages for transport productivity. Findings to date have shown that by combining liquefied natural gas technology and an 18-metre long truck with a semitrailer can save up to 15% in CO2 emissions.

Truck manufacturers have recorded a reduction of 60% in fuel consumption since 1965. Heavy duty vehicles presently account for 5% of Green House Gas emissions. The potential CO2 reduction for heavy duty vehicles is estimated to be around 20% by 2020, totalling a drop of 3.5% per year, starting from the recorded emissions levels in 2014.