The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) has brought together key industry stakeholders and policymakers to assess the opportunities and challenges related to passenger car connectivity. The conference explored how automotive connectivity technologies can revolutionize personal mobility, and explores some of the challenges faced in the rollout of connected cars.

ACEA President Carlos Ghosn, European Commissioner for Digital Society and Economy Günther Oettinger, and Director General of the European Commission's Directorate General for Mobility and Transport, João Aguiar Machado, each gave their respective views on the future of the passenger car connectivity.

Delivering his opening speech at the event, President Ghosn, who is also CEO of Renault, said: “Our industry is already working with technology companies and other players as we embrace connectivity and more advanced mobility concepts. To further develop the car of the future, our sector is developing partnerships with policymakers, universities, infrastructure providers, start-ups, established technology companies, telecoms and service providers.”

Highlighting some of the benefits of connectivity for consumers, Mr Ghosn added: “Connectivity means driving becomes significantly safer. It also means more efficient mobility by reducing unproductive time while driving, for example when you are in slow traffic. We all have in common the need for more time, and the ability to use that time as effectively and pleasantly as possible. As an industry, we can use connected technologies to meet that need.”

Comments from many panelists showed that smart connectivity has the potential to improve traffic congestion management in cities and help tackle the challenge of reducing emissions more effectively. Industry representatives in attendance also emphasized 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 drivers with the best possible experience.”

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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 hashtag #ConnectedCar.
The event can be watched live at: http://www.acea.be/news/article/livestream-the-connected-car-safe-clean-secure
For more information about the speakers, or for the full programme, visit: http://www.acea.be/events/event/the-connected-car-safe-clean-secure
To watch the event on YouTube, click here.
Photos from the event are available here.
About ACEA

The members of ACEA are BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford of Europe, Opel Group, Hyundai Motor Europe, IVECO, Jaguar Land Rover, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault Group, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, Volvo Cars , Volvo Group. More information can be found at www.acea.be or @ACEA_eu.

Facts about the EU car industry

About 12.7 million people – or 5% of the EU workforce – work in the sector.
The 3 million jobs in the automotive industry represent 10.3% of employment in European industry.
Motor vehicles are responsible for 388 billion in tax contributions in the EU15.
The sector is also a key driver of knowledge and innovation and represents Europe's largest private contribution to R&D, with €32.3 billion invested annually.
The automotive sector contributes significantly to the EU's trade balance with a surplus of 95 billion.
For more information, please contact Cara McLaughlin, [email protected], 32 2 738 73 45; 32 485 88 66 47

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