At Kögel’s Burtenbach site in Bavaria, dozens of trailers were lined up to spell out a giant “SOS”, signalling the industry’s dispute with Brussels over upcoming CO2 requirements for trailers and semi-trailers. The manufacturer argues the current reduction targets cannot be met with today’s technology and could ultimately affect vehicle prices, investment plans and jobs across Europe’s trailer manufacturing sector.
The Burtenbach event also drew Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria’s deputy prime minister. But the message went well beyond one factory: trailer makers across Europe are pushing for changes before the rules reach a decisive phase.
VECTO requirements now extend to trailers
VECTO (Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool) is the European Union’s calculation model used to determine CO2 values. For trailers and semi-trailers, the legal basis is EU Regulation 2024/1610. Under the current framework, the simulated emissions value must fall by 10% by 2030 for semi-trailers and by 7.5% for trailers.
Manufacturers say the core issue is being overlooked. Trailers and semi-trailers have no powertrain of their own and do not emit CO2 directly during operation. In their view, a simulation-based approach does not reflect real-world operating conditions or the wide range of transport tasks these vehicles perform.
Industry closes ranks against VECTO
Kögel’s Burtenbach action is part of a broader campaign. On 1 July 2026, chief executives from Europe’s largest trailer manufacturers met in Koningshooikt, Belgium, to sign a joint declaration and petition addressed to the European Commission and the European Parliament.
In the document, the signatories argue that Regulation 2024/1610 in its current form could weaken the competitiveness of Europe’s industry. They call for an accelerated review in 2026, a softer reduction target of 5%, and a gradual phase-out of trailer-related requirements as zero-emission tractor units become more widespread.
Eight manufacturers have already taken the case to court
The latest moves build on an earlier dispute with the European Commission. In 2025, eight European trailer manufacturers filed a lawsuit challenging Regulation 2024/1610, seeking a revision.
The companies pursuing legal action include Fliegl, Kögel, Krone, Langendorf, Schmitz Cargobull, Schwarzmüller, System Trailers and Wecon. Together, they account for more than 80% of semi-trailer registrations in Germany and over 70% across Europe.
Manufacturers stress they are not challenging climate objectives. Their objection is to a methodology that, in their view, rewards theoretical solutions even if, in practice, they reduce payload capacity, require more trips and add traffic on the roads.
Manufacturers warn of penalties and price hikes
The trailer-built “SOS” sign was aimed at getting EU decision-makers to take the sector’s demands seriously. Producers say they support emissions-reduction efforts, but want rules that, in their view, are technically achievable, economically justified and grounded in how trailers and semi-trailers are actually used.
Kögel and other leading European manufacturers argue that the required reductions cannot be achieved with solutions currently available. Kögel estimates potential penalties for the company could reach as much as 64 million euros per year. To offset that burden, semi-trailer prices could rise by up to 50%.
The industry says the impact would not stop at manufacturing. Higher purchase costs could be passed along the supply chain, from carriers and logistics operators to end customers. According to the sector, the current rules could affect around 70,000 jobs in Europe’s trailer manufacturing industry.
Burtenbach investments under pressure
Kögel says it has invested several million euros in recent years at its Burtenbach plant. The spending included a production line for a new refrigerated vehicle and site expansion to prepare for an additional hall. The company warns that the economic consequences of the current VECTO framework could put both those investments and the site’s long-term development at risk.
Speaking at the event, Hubert Aiwanger said the trailer and logistics industry does not need additional pressure from what he described as unrealistic and excessive regulation from Brussels. He also pointed out that small and medium-sized businesses do not have unlimited financial or technological resources to adapt to new requirements on short timelines.
Manufacturers want real-world savings, not modelled results
Markus Siegner, CEO of Kögel Trailer GmbH, said the company has long focused on lightweight designs intended to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in transport.
In Kögel’s view, today’s VECTO rules do not reflect the realities of road transport and place disproportionate pressure on companies. The manufacturer is calling for solutions that balance climate targets with the competitiveness of European industry.
Among the sector’s demands are: a revision of the VECTO-Trailer tool, a pause on penalties until the targets are technically achievable, and taking zero-emission tractor units into account when setting trailer-related targets.
