Skip to main content

Automobile industry explores passenger car connectivity

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 Gene
December 10, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (6175 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 1690 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, 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."

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."

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Software is at heart of safe vehicle connectivity, says Qt Group
    September 15, 2023
    Connected vehicle safety isn’t just under threat from malicious actors exploiting code – it’s also about avoiding software faults that could result in harm to people, says Patrick Shelly of Qt Group
  • European e-mobility shaping the future for global auto suppliers, strategy expert warns
    September 8, 2017
    Speaking at this week's Frankfurt IAA International Motor Show, US strategy consultant Paul Eichenberg advised automotive suppliers seeking to protect or grow their business as automobile electrification rapidly emerges in Europe to ‘build the future now’. Eichenberg said that Europe is leading the automotive electrification charge globally. German automakers are already developing the electric technologies that will help them meet the next regulatory hurdle for emissions – the proposed Euro VII rules –
  • UK Autodrive consortium to develop driverless cars
    December 9, 2014
    An Arup-led consortium, UK Autodrive, has won the UK Government’s US$15.6 million ‘Introducing Driverless Cars’ competition. Other members of the consortium are Milton Keynes Council, Coventry Council, Jaguar Land Rover, Ford Motor Company, Tata Motors European Technical Centre, RDM Group, MIRA, Oxbotica, AXA, international law firm Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co, the Transport Systems Catapult, the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and the Open University. The aim of the project is to establis
  • Debating the future development of ANPR
    July 31, 2012
    What future is there for automatic number plate recognition? Will it be supplanted by electronic vehicle identification, or will continuing development maintain the technology's relevance? In recent years, digitisation and IP-based communication networks have allowed Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to achieve ever-greater utility and a commensurate increase in deployments. But where does the technology go next - indeed, does it have a future in the face of the increasing use of, for instance, Dedi