ACEA

The commercial vehicle industry is a key industrial asset for Europe

Technology leaders

• European commercial vehicle manufacturers invest yearly 6% of turnover in R&D; these investments will be significantly higher in 2009 and 2010 due to necessary investments in Euro VI technologies
• European trucks are the most technologically advanced in the world; they lead globally in terms of active and passive safety innovations as well as environmental technologies
• As such, European trucks, buses and vans are the first choice around the globe; the EU25 exported €11 billion worth of commercial vehicles in 2007

Production and employment

• In 2007, some 2.6 million commercial vehicles were manufactured in the EU, generating revenues of nearly €70 billion
• Direct employment in the sector is 250,000 jobs; up to six times more jobs depend on the industry, including parts suppliers, distributors and dealerships, after-sales support and so on, bringing the total to 1.5 million jobs in the EU
• A further 2.6 million people are employed by road transport operators

A global market place

• European commercial vehicle manufacturers have also invested in local production sites in important markets around the world
• European truck manufacturers dominate the heavy goods vehicle market place in North America
• European trucks are also making inroads into Asia, where they are preferred for their durability, reliability, low emissions and comfort. European trucks lead the market in China and European-designed trucks are now assembled in China and India

last updated 01/09/2009

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