EU sets new standards for vehicles 

Manufacturers of trucks, vans, buses, and trailers will no longer need to get approval for the same vehicle in 27 different countries before placing it on the market, after MEPs confirmed a compromise found with Council in a second-reading vote on 10 May. 

Up to now, only cars, motorbikes and tractors benefited from this system, which allows vehicles approved for sale in one EU country to be marketed anywhere in the EU without further tests, thereby removing barriers to trade among member states as well as reducing the administrative burden on manufacturers and enhancing their competitiveness. 

• Higher safety standards:  The new rules also set stricter technical requirements, making some devices, including ABS (anti-blocking systems for brakes), side-protection and improved lighting and signalling equipment, compulsory for all commercial vehicles. 
• Simpler test procedures for SMEs: Automakers that produce relatively low volumes – generally manufacturers of more specialist cars – will also benefit from the revised legislation. They will now be able to produce up to 1,000 cars per year – double the previous limit – with simplified and less expensive test procedures. This should save small companies from disproportionate costs and encourage newcomers to the market. 
• Special rules for wheelchair accessible vehicles:  Vehicles providing easy access to persons with reduced mobility will also have their own category of simplified safety-testing specifications with unlimited production numbers. Parliament's Rapporteur, British Conservative MEP Malcolm Harbour, said: "This is a fantastic result for the disabled consumer and for the manufacturers of these vehicles. We have given a boost to this important industry whilst ensuring that the safety of these vehicles is in no way compromised." 

Commission Vice-President Günter Verheugen, Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry Policy, said: "Today's EP decision marks another important step to simplify our legislation. At the same time it will improve the safety of trucks, buses and trailers. With less bureaucracy and more safety the European automotive industry will gain a competitive edge."