To raise public awareness and create synergies among policymakers, industry and stakeholders for the roll-out of intelligent transport systems (ITS), iMobility Challenge hosted yet another demonstration event in Brussels on 18 March 2014 featuring cutting edge developments for vehicle technologies.
This technology demonstration event showcased the newest technologies that are ready to come to market. European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes commented: “Our economic and environmental future depends on smart solutions for transport: we need to seize every technological opportunity we can get”.
“The technology needed to bring connected cars to consumers is already here,” said Thierry Willemarck, President of project coordinator, FIA Region I. “However, we cannot only think about creating new technologies. The FIA supports smart deployment, which means carefully considered policies and full awareness and consent from motorists. This is why today’s event is so important: it is a chance for all interested parties to come together and reflect on all aspects needed to effectively bring the benefits of new technologies to road users.”
In his introductory remarks Jean-Marc Galles, CEO of CLEPA stated “what you will experience today is a number of energy efficiency and safety technologies developed and made in Europe. Their main benefits are to improve air quality, increase the capacity of transport infrastructure and save lives. But they have also another benefit: they contribute to maintaining the technological leadership of the European automotive industry, creating value and jobs”.
The event included speeches and a panel discussion from top tier automotive suppliers presenting latest vehicle technology innovations in the field of safe, efficient and connected mobility. Throughout the day, there was the opportunity to experience new technologies such as active safety systems, autonomous driving and in-vehicle infotainment. The event offered the opportunity for the exchange of information and expertise between iMobility technology providers, consumer organisations and policy-makers working on relevant legislative frameworks.
At the event’s cocktail Dr Hermann Meyer, CEO of ERTICO – ITS Europe said “We face the same challenges worldwide in the context of increasing urbanisation and mobility demand meeting increasingly scarce resources and space limitations. Deployment of ITS is the cheapest and most effective measure to sustain mobility, save lives and protect the environment.”
