The European Commission presented new EU rules to allow manufacturers to develop more aerodynamic lorries by allowing cabins with a rounded shape and with the use of aerodynamic flaps at the back the trailer. According to the Commission, these measures will considerably improve the aerodynamics of vehicles, saving approximately €5,000 per year in fuel costs for a typical long-distance lorry covering 100,000 km.

New rules presented by the European Commission seeks to allow manufacturers to develop more aerodynamic lorries. In particular, the Commission presented a proposal that will allow cabins with a rounded shape and for the use of aerodynamic flaps at the back the trailer. In June 2012, the Commission provided a clarification on cross-border use of longer trucks.

The Commission considers that the main advantages of the proposal are better environmental performance; better road safety; better for hauliers; industrial opportunity for vehicle manufacturers; more consistent controls and reduced road damage; and promoting intermodal transport. The rules setting the specifications for heavy goods vehicles date back to 1996 (Directive 96/53/EC). The Commission stressed that they now need to be updated to take account of technological developments.

Particularly, the Commission highlights that the proposed measures will considerably improve the aerodynamics of vehicles, saving approximately €5,000 per year in fuel costs for a typical long-distance lorry covering 100,000 km. This represents a 7–10% cut in greenhouse gas emissions (or 7.8 tonnes of CO2 for the same long-distance lorry covering 100,000 km). At the same time, the field of vision of the driver will be improved, helping to save the lives of 300 to 500 vulnerable road users such as pedestrians or cyclists every year.