German Trailer Makers Sue EU Over CO₂ Reduction Targets
Eight major German truck trailer manufacturers, accounting for over 80 percent of relevant registrations in Germany and over 70 percent in Europe, have taken the European Union to court. They've filed a lawsuit at the European Court of Justice, challenging CO₂ reduction targets imposed on trailers by Regulation 2024/1610. The case is active as of September 2025, with no specified hearing date.
The applicants, including Fliegl, Kögel, Krone, Langendorf, Schmitz Cargobull, Schwarzmueller, System Trailers, and Wecon, argue against the use of the VECTO simulation tool in setting these targets. The regulation mandates a 10 percent CO₂ reduction for semi-trailers and 7.5 percent for others by 2030, with annual penalties for non-compliance.
The Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) backs the companies, deeming the targets unfeasible technically and harmful economically. The manufacturers demand the abolition of the VECTO-Trailer simulation tool, a moratorium on penalty payments, and credit for emission-free tractors towards trailer targets. They warn of severe consequences for transport efficiency, climate goals, and employment.
The court case is ongoing, with no resolution yet. The trailer manufacturers insist that trailers, not producing any emissions themselves, should not bear the brunt of CO₂ reduction targets. The EU, however, maintains its stance, pushing for lower emissions across the entire transport sector.
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