Brazil and Mexico have become the latest nations to join the Global Memorandum of Understanding on Zero-Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles (Global MoU) with CALSTART, aligning with 40 other signatories committed to cleaner transport.
The agreement sets a target for 100% of new medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2040, with an interim goal of at least 30% by 2030.
The new Global MoU signatories are being welcomed today, November 11, at the "Roadmap to Zero: Accelerate. Adopt." event at COP30 in Belem, Brazil.
The Global MoU now counts 42 signatory countries, representing nearly one in four trucks worldwide. The coalition spans major economies across North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Together, endorsing governments, companies, and organizations represent more than $1.3 trillion in annual revenue and 40% of global GDP.
[Related: Zero-emission truck deployment behind targets, Calstart finds]
Private sector innovators, who endorsed the Global MoU and highlight the economic, employment, clean-air, and climate benefits of zero-emission freight, transport, and infrastructure, have obviously praised the announcement.
"The heavy-duty transport sector represents a significant share of global emissions, and mature technical solutions are already available to accelerate its decarbonization. Brazil and Mexico demonstrate true leadership by aligning their ambitions with global zero-emission transport goals. Their commitment paves the way for coordinated public–private action to deliver tangible results—reducing emissions, strengthening competitiveness, and creating inclusive economic opportunities. At Scania, we stand ready to collaborate in this collective effort to make zero-emission freight transport a reality across Latin America," said Christian Levin, president and CEO of Scania.
The governments of Brazil and Mexico are understandably thrilled to join the signatory countries.
[Related: Cross-border record breaker: First electric truck crosses into Mexico]
"Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainability and the decarbonization of the transportation sector by signing the Global Memorandum of Understanding with CALSTART. This collaboration not only reaffirms our political will but also opens the door to new opportunities for investment, production, and innovation in zero-emission vehicles," Dr. Jose Luis Samaniego Leyva, Undersecretary of Sustainable Development and Circular Economy at SEMARNAT. "We are determined to move toward a more sustainable future, promoting economic development that respects and preserves our natural resources. This is just the beginning of a journey toward sustainable development and a circular economy that benefits all Mexicans."
