While the French unanimously acknowledge the central role played by heavy goods vehicles and light commercial vehicles in the national logistics chain, road transport remains associated with numerous preconceptions. This is precisely what the study “Road transport as seen by the French”, conducted jointly by OpinionWay and SOLUTRANS in September 2025, highlights. Here’s an overview of the main findings.
Published on Oct 10,2025 at 10:35 AM | Updated on Oct 10,2025 at 3:35 PM
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Road transport: an essential ally of the French economy

The figures speak for themselves: 88% of French people today believe that road transport is essential to the proper functioning of the economy. Although this awareness was largely boosted during the pandemic, it continues to endure. 62% of respondents report having a positive image of trucks. A similar situation applies to LCVs, with 70% expressing a favorable opinion of vans and light trucks. Among the reasons behind this appreciation, practicality tops the list: 66% consider trucks an asset for distributing goods to remote areas, and 63% see them as a fast way to deliver merchandise. This perception goes even further, with 78% of respondents saying it would be unthinkable to do without trucks and LCVs for goods transport. Specifically:

  • Raw materials for construction sites (79%)
  • Supermarket stock deliveries (77%)
  • Waste collection (76%)
  • Pharmaceutical and medical products (63%)
  • E-commerce goods (60%)

However, these results must be put into perspective depending on distance: while trucks and LCVs are seen as the most suitable options for journeys up to 500 km, beyond that distance, rail and air transport are viewed as more appropriate alternatives.

Road transport: a sector still shaped by misconceptions

Although the sector’s contribution to the economy is widely acknowledged, the overall perception of the industry remains more mixed. Nearly 38% of French people view road transport as a source of pollution and nuisance, a sentiment that is stronger among those aged 65 and over (44%) and among higher-income households (44%). This negative image is largely due to a lack of understanding of the sector, which fuels many misconceptions: 78% of respondents believe that most trucks circulating in France are in transit between two other countries. Similarly, 42% wrongly think that road transport is responsible for the majority of air pollution, and 51% consider it a major source of road accidents.

This lack of knowledge is acknowledged by the public itself: only 34% of French people feel well-informed about the new energies used in road transport (biogas, hydrogen, electric, etc.). This figure drops to 21% among those aged 65 and over but rises to 57% among those under 35. This generational gap highlights a strong expectation: clearer communication on the technological and environmental progress already made by industry.

To discover: The Hydrogen Village at SOLUTRANS 2025

Road transport: moving towards a more responsible model

Although the French still have an imperfect understanding of road transport, they nonetheless acknowledge the efforts made by the industry, particularly in terms of sustainability. According to the OpinionWay study for SOLUTRANS, 6 out of 10 French people believe that road transport players are taking action to reduce their environmental impact, even if these efforts remain little-known. The most recognized initiatives concern the reduction of noise pollution (59%), improvements in road safety (65%), and better working conditions for drivers (67%) — all positive indicators of concrete transformation within the sector. Interestingly, the French also understand that the industry is not solely in control of its destiny. 79% believe that public authorities should financially support road transport companies to accelerate their transition to cleaner energy sources, while 78% say they are willing to accept longer delivery times to help reduce the sector’s environmental footprint.

Related topic: The Employment & Training Area at SOLUTRANS 2025

SOLUTRANS: a laboratory for tomorrow’s road transport

In light of these findings, SOLUTRANS positions itself as a concrete response to the challenges highlighted by the French. A true laboratory for the industry, the show showcases technological innovations, energy advances, and social initiatives that are already shaping the future of industrial and urban vehicles. By bringing together key stakeholders — manufacturers, equipment suppliers, transport companies, start-ups, and institutions — and offering an international conference program dedicated to energy, digital, and societal transitions, SOLUTRANS 2025 reaffirms its status as the global meeting point for industrial and urban vehicles. A unique space for dialogue and forward-thinking where tomorrow’s road transport is already taking shape. Join us from November 18 to 22, 2025, at Eurexpo Lyon.

Learn more: [CONFERENCE] Road transport as seen by the French: perceptions, expectations and challenges for the sector

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