European automotive industry and Commissioner Oettinger jointly call for more research and innovation in the field connected road transport
Brussels, 5 November 2015 – Under the theme of ‘connected to the future’ the European Council for Automotive R&D (EUCAR) brought almost 300 stakeholders together during its annual conference, with the aim of ensuring that automotive research and innovation (R&I) continues to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. One year after the implementation of Horizon 2020, it proves more vital than ever to address the industry’s strategic priorities and societal challenges through common R&I initiatives.
Opening today’s conference, EUCAR Chairwoman Anke Kleinschmit, Vice President Group Research and Chief Environment Officer of Daimler AG, stressed that the world of mobility and transport is transforming rapidly. The digital world is changing the needs of consumers and new modes of mobility are arising. In this context, hybrid innovations become more and more important. With products and services increasingly becoming more integrated, stakeholders have to work closely together to provide mobility services to a digitising society.
Günther H. Oettinger, European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, underlined that “it is time to act. Close cross-sector cooperation is needed to conquer global markets with digital innovations”.
As the position of the vehicle within a network becomes crucial, EUCAR members are ready to address future challenges by improving capacity and sharing know-how through collaboration.
Manuela Soares, Director for Transport at DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission, took the opportunity to share her thoughts on the role of automated vehicles in a connected world. Soares emphasised that “in Horizon 2020 we will be expanding funding for research on connected and automated driving. Automated road transport is seen as a key priority in the transport research programme”.
Renowned blogger Sascha Pallenberg gave a thought-provoking presentation on how mobility solutions can help meet tomorrow’s societal challenges. Maarten Steinbuch, Professor in Systems and Control at Eindhoven University of Technology, shared valuable insights with the audience during his ‘Smart cars on innocent roads’ speech.
EUCAR provided participants with a platform to exchange thoughts on R&I needs and ideas through a series of networking events which concluded the conference.
About EUCAR
EUCAR is the European Council for Automotive R&D of the major European passenger car and commercial vehicle manufacturers. EUCAR facilitates and coordinates pre-competitive research and innovation projects and its members participate in a wide range of collaborative European R&D programmes. The European automobile manufacturers are the largest private investors in R&D in Europe with over €41.5 billion investment per annum.
EUCAR members are BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Ford of Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, Jaguar Land Rover, Opel Group, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault Group, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, Volvo Cars, Volvo Group.
EUCAR is closely connected to ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.
Contact EUCAR at +32 2 7387353 or [email protected]