April 7, 2016, CLEPA celebrated the successful conclusion of the Dutch Presidency’s European Truck Platooning Challenge.

The success of the European Truck Platooning Initiative is an important step forward in advancing the use of platooning technology which will not only lower truck operating costs, improve traffic flow but also significantly reduce emissions.

As members of the European Truck Platooning Initiative, CLEPA declares its commitment to help establish the necessary framework conditions for swift and effective implementation of platooning across Europe.

“We will work with all our partners within the European Truck Platooning Initiative to support cross-border platooning initiatives and the wider deployment of platooning services. I am convinced that platooning is in the common interest of society and industry and for the benefit of the environment,” said Paul Schockmel, CLEPA CEO.

Truck platooning is made possible through existing automated driving sensing technology in conjunction with vehicle–to-vehicle communication technology. However, platooning development is being hindered by divergent national regulations.

“We want to continue to work together and support further EUTPC and create a dynamic European platooning deployment coordination and cooperation platform, called the ‘Bordeaux Truck Platooning Initiative’ starting from the Bordeaux kick off in October 2015”, said Paul Schockmel.

The European Truck Platooning Challenge was organised by the European Truck Platooning Initiative under the Dutch Presidency, involving organisations from across the transport industry including ACEA, CEDR, EReg, ESC and IRU.

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Note to Editors

CLEPA is the European Association of Automotive Suppliers. 116 of the world's most prominent suppliers for car parts, systems and modules and 23 National trade associations and European sector associations are members of CLEPA, representing more than 3 thousand companies, employing more than 5 million people and covering all products and services within the automotive supply chain. Based in Brussels, Belgium, CLEPA is recognised as the natural discussion partner by the European Institutions, United Nations and fellow associations (ACEA, JAMA, MEMA, etc.).

Facts about the European automotive industry

·         Some 12 million people are employed in the European automotive industry

·         European automotive suppliers directly employ 5 million people

·         European automotive suppliers invest €18bn in RDI per year. They are one of the biggest private investors into research and innovation

·         Per year, 16 million vehicles are manufactured in Europe, contributing to the stability and growth of the European economy

For more information, please contact:

Mrs Amalia Di Stefano, CLEPA Deputy CEO, Tel.: +32 2 743 91 35 www.clepa.eu