1. Report into the support of
new emissions standards within the
Road Freight Transport sector
Prepared by: ACA Research

2. Background
In December 2012, ACA Research undertook a study among decision makers in the
Australian Road Freight Transport sector to ascertain what level of support exists for
adopting new emission standards.
The following details were provided;
“I would like to understand your view in regard to emissions
standards and the proposal for Australia to adopt more stringent
standards in line with new international standards
that have been adopted.
If adopted, the Euro 6 standards would reduce the maximum
allowable emissions from new vehicles of Oxides of nitrogen by
up to 80% and particulates by up to 66% relative to Euro 5”.
The question was then asked;
“Do you support the introduction of the new
emissions standards?”
“What are the main reasons you support or oppose
the introduction of the new emissions standards?”
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3. Stance on new emissions standards
Do you support the introduction of the
new emissions standards?
Support for the
Favour introduction of the new
33% emission standards is
somewhat weak.
Further details concerning
Neutral 31% costs and the impact of the
standards may impact the
stance of one third in the
sector who have a neutral
position.
Oppose 36%
n = 205
3 Q1. Do you support the introduction of the new emissions standards?

4. Stance on new emissions standards by Fleet Size
Support by Number of Trucks Operated
Oppose Neutral Favour
Smaller
operators are
46% 47%
more resistant to 41% 39% 43%
the introduction 33%
of new emission 27% 27% 28% 29%
standards 20% 20%
possibly as a
reflection of a
lower capacity to
absorb or pass 1-2 3-5 6-25 More
on the expected than 25
costs.
Larger operators are more likely to support
new emission standards to be introduced.
n = 205
4 Q1. Do you support the introduction of the new emissions standards?

5. Stance on new emissions standards by State
Support by State
Oppose Neutral Favour
41% 42% 42%
38% 37% 38%
34% 32% 32%
31% 31%
28% 27% 27%
19%
NSW VIC QLD SA WA
Across all States, support for the new
emission standards are fairly consistent.
Operators based in NSW are less likely to
oppose the introduction.
n = 205
5 Q1. Do you support the introduction of the new emissions standards?

6. Stance on new emissions standards by Purchase Intention
Purchase intent for the next 12 months
Favour 32% 28%
Do not intend
to purchase Neutral 31%
34%
40%
Oppose
34% 41%
Articulated Rigid
Intend to purchase
60%
Operators
who intend to
33% 24% purchase
38% 48% 38%
54% more than 5
26%
33% new
34%
28%
38% articulated
25%
43% trucks are
41%
28% 24% 21% 24% greater
supporters of
Articulated Rigid Articulated Rigid Articulated Rigid the new
1 truck 2-5 trucks More than 5 trucks emission
standards.
n = 205
6 Q1. Do you support the introduction of the new emissions standards?

7. Reasons for stance on the new emissions standards
Reasons to Support Reasons for being Neutral Reasons to Oppose
Support
reducing impact
84% Expense to operator 46% Expense to operator 63%
on the
environment
Uncertainty Impact on
around impact 27%
10% Information gap 31% performance
of new emission
standards
Fuel economy 18%
Improve fuel Reservations about
6% 30%
efficiency emission standards
Sceptical about
environmental 11%
concerns
Should apply to Impact on performance 8%
3% Sceptical about
all vehicles
effectivness of new 11%
standards
Support reducing impact
Expense to 2%
2% on the environment Current standards are
operator 14%
sufficient
7 Q2 (n=68), Q3 (n=73), Q4 (n=63) What are the main reasons you support / oppose / support nor oppose the introduction of the new emissions standards?

8. In their own words
Reasons to Support Reasons for being Neutral Reasons to Oppose
“I'm concerned about air “There are reasons for and “The truck manufacturers
pollution and its effect on the cannot keep up with the
against. I don’t know how
environment. I've seen the changes that leads to a shorter
much it will achieve and
benefits of Adblue such as engine life and a higher cost to
how much it will cost.”
better fuel economy.” transport.”
“The extra technology is
“Something has to be done to “I don't know enough always subject to extra
reduce these emissions to allow information about the new cost, in addition, does it
us all to lead healthier emissions standards. I also really work by reducing
lifestyles.” question the reliability of the strength of carbon
information I hear about this emissions.”
topic.”
“We have to consider the
environment that we are in and if
“ I think Euro 5 is a
we continue like this future disaster, it makes everything
generations of children will suffer.
“I am concerned about the more expensive and higher
There will be additional costs but effects on reliability and fuel consumption which
we will have to wear this” additional maintenance again costs more.”
costs.”
“Less emissions means less fuel use. I “It would increase fuel consumption
think it is good that everyone in the “I was quite in favour, but because of high operating
industry should clean their act and get now that it seems like we temperatures, engine
equipment that uses less fuel and will receive no wear, complications for servicing
produces less emissions. The newer compensation, my stance and more chances for problems.
the truck, the more efficient it is.” has moved to the middle.” Greener not really leaner.”
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9. Sample Profile

10. Sample profile
Telephone interviews took place between in November, 2012, among 205 fleet managers and
decision makers from road freight transport companies.
State Fleet Size
NSW 30% 1-2 27%
VIC 25%
3-5 21%
QLD 20%
6-10 20%
SA 13%
WA 13% 11-25 17%
Total Kilometres Travelled Per Year Primary Freight Movement
Local service Intrastate (100km+
Less than 200,000 25% (less than 100 KM) principally within
35% one state)
200,000 - 999,999 38% 35%
1 million + 38%
Interstate (regularly crossing state borders)
30%
10 n= 205

11. About ACA Research
ACA Research is a full service market research consultancy with
expertise in customised research and multi-client studies.
Established in 1993, with offices in Sydney and Singapore, we
conduct studies throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
Through our high level of business and research
experience, industry expertise and focus on high quality
outputs, we effectively support business thought leaders in
their decision-making.
Our core value proposition is supported through our values of:
• Integrity in business and the research process
• Enthusiasm in everything we do
• Team member growth and development
• Effective and meaningful client relationships
• Participative and communicative work environment
• Positive creative abrasion
The ACA Research executive team are full members of the
AMSRS (Australian Market & Social Research Society).
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12. F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N P L E A S E C O N T A C T :
Amanda Adams
ACA Research
Te l : + 6 1 2 9 9 2 7 3 3 3 0
Email: aadams@acaresearch.com.au
Level 11, 100 Miller Street
North Sydney NSW 2060