The recent expansion of the European Union has created a bigger and more diverse transport environment. But the direct relationship between transport and GDP growth has not changed.
And with trucks carrying 75% of Europe's inland freight, trade will continue to rely on road transport. Volvo has long argued that one of the best ways to become more efficient and more environmentally-friendly is through successful co-modal transport measures - looking at all transport modes, and seeing how they can be more sustainable - and not by discriminating against road, the most competitive mode of transport.
Co-modality involves measures like developing more effective traffic management systems, implementing non-discriminatory infrastructure charging and investing in improved road infrastructure.
If we can succeed in this task, it will boost European competitiveness, trade and GDP. And at the same time, it could lower the impact on the environment.