Road transport research framework proposed by EUCAR A 'road transport research' framework is necessary and should be 'hosted by FP6, with annual EU funding of 300 million euro, states EUCAR's official opinion paper on the European Commission's proposals for the next European research framework programme. The opinion paper, 'Di... A 'road transport research' framework is necessary and should be 'hosted by FP6, with annual EU funding of 300 million euro, states EUCAR's official opinion paper on the European Commission's proposals for the next European research framework programme. The opinion paper, 'Directions of research and development. Towards clean, safe and efficient mobility and transport: A proposal on the future automotive and road transport R&D in Europe,' has been read by the relevant parties within the Commission, who are 'considering how to accommodate it,' Ulf Palmquist, programme manager for carbon dioxide R&D from EUCAR told CORDIS News. 'The relevant stakeholders (industry, academia, administrations, public sector) [...] have to agree and launch a strong and fully coordinated 'road transport research' framework to embrace and guide research, and to explore the possibilities to combine feasible approaches and restrictions in this 'R&D space',' states the paper. EUCAR was established in 1994, having evolved from the previous Joint research committee of the European motor vehicle manufacturers. Members include BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford in Europe, Opel, Porsche, PSA Peugeot-Citroën, Renault, Volkswagen Group and Volvo. EUCAR has developed a master plan in order to define a European approach to technologies for automotive development. Based on a European and global framework, the plan provides a common basis for cooperative RTD activities and industrial initiatives relevant to all road vehicles and involving manufacturers, component and equipment suppliers, material producers, industrial and academic research centres and user organisations. EUCAR is involved in the R&D action 'CO2perate' with the EU, a programme focusing on research and development to reduce CO2 emissions. Some 33 projects are currently underway, involving 108 million euro of funding, 54 per cent of which is being provided by the EU. Dr Palmquist says he would have liked to see more provisions for land transport in the Commission's proposals for the next research framework programme, although he is hopeful the field will receive further recognition following the consultative period. He pointed out that when preparations for the Fifth Framework Programme began, land transport was not recognised as a priority area, but was added to the proposals by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament. EUCAR's paper outlines three R&D priorities: environment, energy and resources, safety for road users, and mobility and transport. EUCAR was hoping for support in the European Commission's proposals for the Sixth Framework Programme, as much research is still needed in order to meet society requirements. - Environment, energy, resources Further research is needed in order to create sustainable transport systems based on renewable resources and in balance with the environment. Research should focus on the development of solutions towards the use of clean conventional and renewable energy sources, methods and measures to reduce traffic noise and the design and material for lean production and recycling. Dr Palmquist points out that industry sometimes makes commitments, such as to reduce carbon dioxide. In FP5, coordination was encouraged in order to meet this commitment, and EUCAR would like to see a similar commitment regarding safety in FP6. As yet, no commitment has been made. He therefore regards the FP6 proposals as a 'step backwards in this respect'. - Safety for road users The steady trend of fewer traffic accidents must continue. Research must include improvements and synergies through integration of preventive, active and passive systems. According to Dr Palmquist, the Information Society DG is prepared to highlight traffic safety as a priority area, but the theme is not yet present in the European Commission's FP6 proposals. - Mobility, transport Research should include work on intermodal concepts and supportive systems, monitoring and management of traffic and goods for efficiency and global harmonisation and standards. EUCAR believes that a road transport research framework is necessary in order to promote a multidisciplinary approach and to embrace the three R&D dimensions, exploring the combinations of restrictions and potentials between them in order to find the overall feasible path to a clean and more sustainable traffic and transport system. Although there is no specific mention of the European Research Area (ERA) in EUCAR's paper, Dr Palmquist insists that EUCAR is in favour of the concept. Transport is, by its very nature, a cross border issue, he told CORDIS News. It is impossible to work solely in national programmes. Member States must be aware of this and encourage further collaboration. We need a bottom-up, need-driven and holistic approach, says Dr Palmquist. In the USA, he adds, the state plays a very active role, pushing development forward. However, the fact that the USA injects so much effort into automotive research is not a reason for the EU to increase its own effort, Dr Palmquist told CORDIS News: 'Road transport in itself motivates and gives a reason for research.'
