The future of European mobility needs to be clean, connected and competitive

The demonstrator for SuperLIGHT-CAR, a project Bax & Company helped conceptualize and manage, was showcased at the EAA event.

The need for energy efficiency has increased the demand for lightweight materials in several sectors. In the automotive field, all involved stakeholders agree on the pressing need for making cars lighter by using novel materials and manufacturing technologies. This and much more were the topic of discussion at the European Aluminium Association event “Driving Mobility to a Low Carbon Future” on April 27th, in the Brussels Autoworld Museum, where Bax & Company had the opportunity to participate.

The EAA invited representatives from key stakeholders, including the European Commission, the European Parliament, carmakers, RTOs, industrial organizations and environmental NGOs. During the event, all participants discussed several ideas, concerns and questions.

The European Commission and Parliament shared their view of an inter-modal future mobility where the three main drivers to reduce emissions are the optimization of transport, alternative low-emission fuels and lightweighting. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) stated that there are six key areas to be tackled. These key issues include restoring public’s trust in emissions testing by implementing the WLTP test cycle, continue the optimization of ICEs, develop alternative powered power-trains, increase connectivity and automation, encourage light-weighting and explore new business models such as car sharing.

From the industry point of view, Novelis highlighted the need for innovation in the field of lightweighting. Europe needs to keep investing in new technologies as the US and China are moving swiftly forward in developing and implementing novel materials and manufacturing technologies.

Last but not least, the Transport & Environment NGO emphasized the pressing need to take drastic decisions, rethink mobility and end car dominance in cities, as transportation emissions are, in fact, increasing. Currently, emissions are 20% higher than those of 1990.

Although opinions might have differed in some aspects, there was a common view: the future of European mobility needs to be clean, connected and competitive.

We can’t wait to see what the future of mobility looks like at the Automobile Barcelona Motorshow, which is going on this week.

How do you envision the future of mobility? We are also looking forward to your opinion. Please share it with us on twitter @baxandcompany

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