Since 1 July 2024, binding targets have applied to the industry: semi-trailers must reduce their calculated CO₂ emissions by 10%, and other trailers by 7.5%. These targets are based on the EU simulation tool VECTO-Trailer (Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool). From 2030, penalties will be imposed if targets are not met: €4,250 per vehicle and per gram of CO₂ per tonne-kilometre. According to manufacturers’ calculations, this could increase the purchase price of trailers by up to 40%.
Criticism of VECTO-Trailer
The manufacturers say they fully support the EU’s climate goals but criticise the methodology. Gero Schulze Isfort, spokesperson for the complainant interest group, stated:
“A tool that simulates CO₂ savings, when in reality more trucks are on the road, contradicts the climate goals. We need real efficiency gains in the overall system instead of modelled pseudo-solutions. The regulation in its current form endangers not only the climate goals but also locations, competitive conditions, and over 70,000 jobs.”
They argue that the model rewards theoretical measures such as reduced build height or lower weight – even though, in practice, these may reduce load capacity, increase empty runs, and ultimately cause more traffic.
Impact on the industry
The complainants – Fliegl, Kögel, Krone, Langendorf, Schmitz Cargobull, Schwarzmüller, System Trailers, and Wecon – represent over 80% of annual trailer registrations in Germany and more than 70% in Europe. They stress that, unlike large corporations, they lack the financial and technological resources to respond quickly to the new mandates.
The manufacturers also emphasise that modern trailers already feature lightweight construction, aerodynamic designs, optimised rolling resistance, as well as steering, lift and e-axles to genuinely reduce fuel consumption.
They are therefore demanding:
- Abolishment of the VECTO-Trailer tool
- A moratorium on penalty payments while the targets remain technically unachievable
- Inclusion of zero-emission vehicle tractors (ZE Vehicle Correction Factor) towards trailer CO₂ targets
Support from the German Association of the Automotive Industry
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has backed the criticism. It refers to “unrealistically high and fleet-unattainable CO₂ targets” and warns of major risks to the sector’s competitiveness.
As early as March 2025, the VDA highlighted serious shortcomings during the review of the CO₂ fleet regulation for heavy commercial vehicles. It stressed that, for trailers, the alignment between real technical solutions and the calculability of resulting CO₂ savings in “VECTO-Trailer” is crucial.
In addition, Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 is said to contain glaring gaps in the definition of trailer groups, which diverge from the currently defined reference trailers due to their specific functions and uses – such as rail-loadable trailers, double-deck trailers, walking-floor trailers, or refrigerated trailers with multiple temperature zones.
According to the VDA, the Commission must reassess fleet limits for trailers based on comprehensive monitoring data. It also calls for mileage requirements to be reviewed and redefined for specific applications, such as rail transport.
