Automobile industry explores passenger car connectivity

Brussels, 4 December 2014 – The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has brought together key industry stakeholders and policy makers to review the opportunities and challenges related to passenger car connectivity. The conference explored how automotive connectivity technologies could revolutionise personal mobility, as well as examining some of the challenges faced in rolling out connected cars.
ACEA President Carlos Ghosn, European Commissioner for Digital Society and Economy Günther Oettinger, and Director General of European Commission Directorate General for Mobility and Transport João Aguiar Machado each gave their respective views on the future of passenger car connectivity during the conference.
During his opening address during the event, President Ghosn, who is also CEO of Renault, said “Our industry already is working with technology companies and other players as we embrace connectivity and more advanced concepts of mobility. To continue moving towards the car of the future, our industry is developing partnerships with policymakers, universities, infrastructure providers, start-ups, established tech companies, telecoms and service providers.”
Mr Ghosn highlighted some of the benefits of connectivity to consumers adding, “Connectivity means driving will become considerably safer. It also means more efficient mobility by reducing unproductive time during driving – such as when you are stuck in slow traffic. We all have in common the need for more time, and the ability to make the most effective and pleasant use of that time. As an industry, we can use connected technologies to respond to that need.”
Remarks by many of the panellists illuminated the potential for smart connectivity to improve the management of traffic congestion in cities and help address the challenge of reducing emissions more effectively. Industry representatives in attendance also emphasised their commitment to privacy and data protection.
ACEA Secretary General Erik Jonnaert concluded, “In Europe we need a supportive, predictable framework that enables manufacturers and suppliers to provide the best possible experience to drivers.”
Notes for editors
About ACEA’s Connected Car: Safe, Clean, Secure event
- The debate can be followed on twitter @ACEA_eu or by using the #ConnectedCar hashtag.
- The video of the event can be watched on the event’s page by visiting: http://www.acea.auto/event/the-connected-car-safe-clean-secure/.
- Photos of the event are available here.
About ACEA
- The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) represents the 14 major Europe-based car, van, truck and bus makers: BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler Truck, Ferrari, Ford of Europe, Honda Motor Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, Iveco Group, JLR, Mercedes-Benz, Renault Group, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, and Volvo Group.
- Visit www.acea.auto for more information about ACEA, and follow us on www.twitter.com/ACEA_auto or www.linkedin.com/company/ACEA/.
Contact:
- Cara McLaughlin, Communications Director, cm@acea.auto, +32 485 88 66 47
- Ben Kennard, Content Editor and Press Manager, bk@acea.auto, +32 487 39 21 82
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About the EU automobile industry
- 12.9 million Europeans work in the automotive sector
- 8.3% of all manufacturing jobs in the EU
- €392.2 billion in tax revenue for European governments
- €101.9 billion trade surplus for the European Union
- Over 7% of EU GDP generated by the auto industry
- €59.1 billion in R&D spending annually, 31% of EU total