Spain lags behind in Europe: The employers' association UNO urges the implementation of "truly green" tax incentives for fleet renewal

 

The need for a truly green tax framework and accessible financial aid was the central message of Francisco Aranda 's speech at the 8th Meeting of Cities for Road Safety and Sustainable Mobility. Aranda, president of UNO, emphasized that, compared to other countries, Spain is clearly lagging behind in policies that promote the renewal of the urban transport fleet.

 

The contrast with neighboring countries is significant. The business leader cited data showing that the difference in the tax burden for a company vehicle between an electric SUV and its gasoline equivalent in Portugal amounts to €30.251 in favor of the electric vehicle. In Spain , however, this difference is barely €3,000 , which is ten times less. This disparity, according to Aranda, "hinders the sector's competitiveness and slows the ecological transition . "

 

The Sector's Commitment and the Role of Technology

 

Despite this scenario of limited incentives, the president of UNO highlighted the high innovative component of the logistics sector, which is undergoing a "permanent technological transformation" aimed at improving operational efficiency , increasing the safety of delivery drivers and, crucially, reducing emissions.

 

"Technology is consolidating itself as a fundamental lever for environmental sustainability, since, for example, it helps to carry out intelligent route planning that limits vehicle journeys and also offers many driving aids," Aranda stated, stressing that technology should not be limited only to motorization.

 

The sector is also demanding the implementation of smart loading and unloading zones to optimize delivery times. Aranda insisted that the "digitalization of these spaces" would allow for more efficient management, reducing parking search time, minimizing double parking, and improving urban coexistence.

 

E-commerce, Less Polluting

 

The employers' association argues that Urban Freight Distribution (UFD) is an integral part of the solution for sustainable urban mobility. Aranda cited data from the consulting firm Oliver Wyman, which confirms the lower environmental impact of e-commerce in the non - food sector compared to the traditional shopping model.

 

" Online stores generate between 1,5 and 2,9 times less CO2 emissions ," he pointed out. Furthermore, the concentration of deliveries that characterizes the e-commerce logistics model is fundamental: "Delivery concentration allows us to reduce traffic volume by between 4 and 9 times compared to the traditional shopping model because our vans are essentially parcel delivery buses," explained the president of UNO.

 

Finally, the business leader highlighted the sector's "excellent collaboration" with the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) and various city councils, working together towards "more sustainable, digital, and flexible" city models . In his opinion, the city of the future must be able to adapt "quickly to new mobility and consumption needs" to guarantee the well-being of its residents.