ECG — 2024-12-23
News from ECG
With the current market conditions, our industry has never been more challenged than it is today. We are transitioning toward more sustainable solutions, at the same time as we face increased competition, uncertain economic and political times, and more regulation on different levels. In times like these, ECG, the Association of European Vehicle Logistics, plays an even more important role as a platform for collaboration, standards, and methodologies.
In many ways, all these conditions set the tone for 2024. But it´s also important to remember the good things! I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we´ve shared. You´ll see plenty of positive examples of how the Finished Vehicle Logistics (FVL) industry work together to make a difference.
Reflecting on 2024
ECG achieved a 30% growth in membership, reinforcing its position as a leader in the Finished Vehicle Logistics (FVL) sector.
We expanded our global reach at the CALA International Conference in Shanghai, where we promoted knowledge exchange and best practices tailored to Chinese OEMs.
Our record-breaking General Assembly & Spring Congress in Baveno brought nearly 300 leaders together to address critical issues like CO2 emissions and operational efficiency.
In partnership with the Smart Freight Centre, ECG strengthened its commitment to decarbonization, scaling up carbon measurement and reduction initiatives.
A key milestone was the TRAN Committee's adoption of harmonized loaded lengths, a step ECG has advocated for over 14 years to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.
At the ECG Conference in Hamburg, with 580 delegates, leaders emphasized collaboration as the key to adapting to low-volume markets and long-term resilience.
We delivered sustainability and carbon emissions training in Brussels, equipping members with tools to meet new emissions reporting requirements like CSRD.
ECG also tackled the sudden implementation of VDI Guideline 2700 in Germany, pushing for a transition period to avoid disruptions and fines for our members.
Finally, 2024 closed with the ECG Board meeting taking place in Brussels, where we engaged with DG MOVE to align on key EU transport priorities, including funding opportunities for sustainable infrastructure.
2024 has been a pivotal year for ECG, marked by significant milestones, collaboration, and addressing key challenges facing the industry. Now, as we look ahead to 2025, the focus intensifies on driving strategic objectives that align with our mission of advancing sustainable vehicle logistics and enhancing operational efficiency.
With an emphasis on expertise, training, innovation, and effective stakeholder engagement, ECG aims to build on the foundation laid in 2024 to achieve meaningful progress in the evolving landscape of vehicle logistics.
2025 Strategic Objectives: Shaping the Future
We are expanding our training portfolio with an ‘Onboarding to FVL’ course and emissions accounting training, targeting greater support for carbon reduction strategies.
The Green Cost Calculator project focuses on assessing the balance between cost investments and emissions savings to help members make informed, sustainable decisions.
Our Rail Platform aims to unite stakeholders to tackle capacity bottlenecks and enhance rail transport efficiency.
The "Safety First" initiative is set to raise health and safety standards during dealer deliveries, ensuring safer practices across the industry.
Advocacy efforts will strengthen through the Dinner Debate 2025 in the European Parliament, with a focus on advancing harmonized regulations across Europe.
ECG is preparing to publish Version 2 of the ECG-VDA emissions guideline, incorporating compounds and terminals, while sharing best practices to drive decarbonization across the supply chain.
Our strategic objectives for 2025 are to set a clear path forward towards growth, sustainability, and collaboration. From enhancing expertise and training to advancing decarbonization efforts, we are committed to addressing the key challenges and opportunities within the FVL sector.
You may find our Roadmap 2025 here.
I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events – the General Assembly & Spring Congress 2025 in Cascais, Lisbon, on 22-23 May, and the ECG Conference 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on 16-17 October. Mark your calendars!
I also want to thank all ECG Members and Partners for their unwavering support and commitment to ECG.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year.