Green thinking was one of the main themes of most manufacturers’ displays at Hanover’s Commercial Vehicle Show.

Daimler’s solution is a cross-brand initiative called ‘Shaping Future Transportation’, featuring hybrid vehicles, including a plug-in hybrid Sprinter van, and a high-efficiency concept diesel van, the Vito BlueEfficiency.

Volkswagen is incorporating its fuel-efficient Euro V-compliant diesels into its van range. And Nissan will launch two mass-market hybrid LCVs by 2012.

A hybrid version of the Cabstar light truck was unveiled with a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel economy compared to a diesel equivalent.

Iveco chief executive Paolo Monferino said Euro VI standards, expected around 2014, are already almost achieved by natural gas-powered vehicles. 

“Iveco is the European leader in this category”