The design of lorries has for a long time remained fairly stagnant. This is not due to a lack of imagination or technical ability on the part of truck designers, but because the European Commission has kept strict control over the dimensions and general design of lorries for some time.
But new legislation is being proposed to allow lorry builders such as Man and Volvo greater freedom in the vehicles they make. If legislation goes ahead, the hope is that new trucks will be far less dangerous to other road users, particularly cyclists, and be much more fuel efficient.
Under changes to the Weight and Dimensions Directive, lorries may become more aerodynamic and feature aerodynamic flaps. The maximum length of 18.75m will also be extended, so long as any extension takes place in the cab, not the trailer.
The EU says fuel economy could be improved by 10 per cent, and deaths caused by lorries could be reduced by between 300 and 500 a year – largely due to cabins with better fields of vision.
While the EU suggests a fuel saving of 10 per cent, Man, with its ‘S’ concept lorry (unveiled in 2010), professes to offer up to a 25 per cent saving on fuel, compared to a conventional 40 tonne semi-trailer.
These new goliaths of the road may not be of much interest to those who have come to startrescue.co.uk to find van breakdown cover, but new directions in the design of trucks and lorries may filter down to vans too, especially any design features that reduce fuel consumption – one of the van driver/owner’s greatest expenses.
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