ERTICO – ITS Europe reacts to the latest GEAR 2030 report, published on 18 October by the European Commission. Jacob Bangsgaard, CEO of ERTICO – ITS Europe said:
“We welcome this report and the recognition of key areas like connectivity, electrification and automation. Europe should invest more in automotive innovation to ensure that it remains competitive on a global scale. The current funding instruments available are insufficient to create the needed public- private partnerships that will ensure the appropriate developments in these key areas.”
The GEAR 2030 High Level Group (HLG) was established by the European Commission in October 2015 and is made up of public and private sector representatives of the automotive industry, including ERTICO – ITS Europe which co-chairs the group on Connected and Automated Driving regulations within the GEAR 2030 initiative.
Regarding connected and automated driving (CAD), the report establishes a fundamental basis to create a sound European regulatory environment for the short-medium term steps of CAD deployment, while encouraging large-scale research and financing programmes at EU and national levels. It also recommends that CAD’s potential impact – especially in relation to road safety, traffic and jobs – be assessed, discussed and accounted for in broader EU policies to ensure these impacts are addressed properly.
The report reflects a distinct shift in the discussion from analysing structural challenges to the future development of vehicles and related services. The Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence and Big Data are just some of the big technology drivers behind connected and automated vehicle development and deployment, while business models like Mobility as a Service (MaaS) will affect all related mobility actors.
On the topic of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants (NOx and particulates), the report calls for increased support of zero emission and zero emission capable vehicles entering the market – however the report acknowledges that their success will also largely depend on whether battery performance continues to improve. Therefore the HLG recommends that the Commission and EU Member States work together with the automotive industry to strengthen research, development and manufacturing of the next generation of batteries.
ERTICO – ITS Europe supports and will continue to support its Partners and the European Commission in the innovation and deployment of connected, electric and automated vehicle technologies using its expertise, activities and involvement in initiatives such as GEAR 2030.
Notes to Editors
The full report is available at: https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/26081/attachments/1/translations/en/renditions/native
About ERTICO – ITS Europe
ERTICO – ITS Europe is a public-private membership-driven organisation promoting, developing and deploying Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in Europe to save lives, protect the environment and sustain mobility in the most cost-effective way. The organisation was founded in 1991 at the initiative of 15 leading members of the European Industry. Now, with 120 Partners, ERTICO connects public authorities, industry players, infrastructure operators, users, national ITS associations and other organisations and works to “Shape intelligent mobility for Europe together”.
Contact:
Carla Coppola
Communications Manager
c.coppola@mail.ertico.com
+32 2 400 07 45
