European policymakers must take all possible steps to improve business confidence and boost the struggling commercial vehicle sector, a leading industry representative has said.
Leif Johansson, who was this week elected as chairman of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (Acea) Commercial Vehicle Board for 2010, claimed the industry has been among the hardest hit by the economic crisis.
Mr Johansson, who is also president and chief executive officer of Volvo Group, said European governments must do their utmost to address the situation over the next year.
A return to economic growth will be imperative if the sector is to sustain its commitment to improving road transport, reducing emissions and developing breakthrough technology, he insisted.
"We call on policy makers to deploy all possible means to ensure a supportive regulatory and business environment, which encompasses everything from access to capital to strengthening funding for research and development," Mr Johansson said.
Earlier this week, figures from the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed the number of new HGV registrations in 2009 reached just 34,746.
This marked an overall drop of 39.5 per cent on the previous year's total.
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