In this new episode of SOLUTRANS OnAIR, Hervé Rébillon welcomes Fabien Calvet, Vice-President of the “International Truck of the Year” award, which will once again be presented during the Gala Dinner at the SOLUTRANS trade show. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of this prestigious award, he reflects on the major changes that have shaped the industrial and urban vehicle sector in recent decades.

Hervé Rébillon: You are Vice-President of the International Truck of the Year. Could you remind us what this award is all about?

 

Fabien Calvet: The International Truck of the Year (ITOY) is a distinction awarded by a jury made up of specialized journalists representing 25 European countries — each one being the voice of their nation. Our mission is to test, evaluate, and score trucks from all manufacturers. Based on this analysis, we name the Truck of the Year, following a set of key criteria. Of course, technical performance and comfort are essential, but innovation also plays a crucial role — we look at what a vehicle brings that is truly new to the heavy-duty truck market.

 

Hervé Rébillon: In recent years, new energy sources have emerged. Do they influence your selection? And what about regulations, such as the EU directive on vehicle weight and dimensions currently under discussion?

 

Fabien Calvet: The use of new energy sources has become an increasingly decisive criterion, as it reflects a major evolution in the industrial and urban vehicle sector. Technological innovation in trucks initially focused on engines, but has since shifted towards environmental solutions. We are now witnessing the rise of hybrid, electric, and hydrogen technologies, which are developing at a rapid pace.

Compliance with new regulations is also a factor we consider when selecting winners. But it's important to remember that this award is not just French: I am the only French juror, but we are an international jury representing 25 countries. That number has now grown to 35 with the inclusion of associate members from Asia (China), South America, and North America. The Truck of the Year is therefore a truly global award. SOLUTRANS serves as an exceptional platform to showcase this international vision, attracting professionals from all over the world.

 

Hervé Rébillon: At the next SOLUTRANS show, you will present the 50th International Truck of the Year award. In 1977, the first winner was a British truck: the Seddon Atkinson 200. What have been the most significant evolutions in trucks over the past 50 years?

 

Fabien Calvet: The Seddon Atkinson was revolutionary for its time, especially with its steel tilting cab — a major innovation. Looking back over more than half a century, trucks have evolved even faster than passenger cars in terms of technology. In the 1970s, a 300-horsepower engine was seen as a real feat. Today, some models exceed 780 horsepower!

But it’s not just about power. Transmissions, automation, and especially fuel consumption have made tremendous progress. For example, a truck consuming less than 40 L/100 km used to be considered efficient. Now, some models consume as little as 25 L/100 km. Driver comfort has also been revolutionized. The latest award-winning models, like the DAF GX/GX+, offer up to 12 m³ of interior space — a real game-changer for driver well-being.

 

Hervé Rébillon: You recently created a new award: the Truck Innovation Award. What is it about?

 

Fabien Calvet: This award aims to recognize technological advancements that bring real innovation — in autonomy, safety, or alternative energy sources. Last year, for example, we highlighted an internal combustion engine running on hydrogen. Many talk about hydrogen, but it actually covers several different technologies. Our role is to analyze these innovations with an expert and objective eye. We also awarded Hyundai, which is very advanced in this field.

 

Hervé Rébillon: In your opinion, what will the truck of the future look like? Do you see a single solution emerging, or rather a diversity of options?

 

Fabien Calvet: That’s a very complex question… Everything will depend on future regulations and how laws evolve. Today, electric trucks perform well, but I believe the future will rely on an energy mix. There is no one-size-fits-all solution — if there were, everyone would already be using it. In reality, it depends on usage, geography, and each carrier’s specific constraints. So the future of trucks will be diverse. Each haulier will have to choose between electric, hydrogen, biofuels, or synthetic diesel, based on their own needs. One thing is certain: the next ten years will bring as many upheavals in road transport as the last hundred.