ACEA attends Automotive Megatrends Europe 2014
Taking place on 10 and 11 September 2014 in Brussels, the Automotive Megatrends Europe conference brings together top automotive industry executives to discuss the long term challenges facing both the passenger car and commercial vehicle industries. Taking place in Brussels, this event explored such topics as freight efficiency, powertrain innovation and the future of the connected car.
European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, ACEA, Secretary General Erik Jonnaert was invited to the opening session on 11 September. There he gave industry views on the wider challenges facing the industry.
Speaking in a panel on the future of the car, Mr Jonnaert highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing the automotive industry in Europe. He said, ‘We are facing the joint challenges of demographic shifts, environmental change and the high cost of automotive production in Europe”
“The European market is saturated, with a changing population, while a lot of future growth is expected to come from rapidly growing emerging economies. To succeed now and in the future, we need to develop smarter, cleaner and more connected cars, as well as working out business models that work in the cities and towns of the future.”
Topics addressed by the six person, moderated 90 minute panel debate included sustainability, connectivity and the future of the automobile industry in a world where young people are delaying car purchases.
