ERTRAC Conference 2025: Shaping Road Transport for a Competitive Europe
On 1st July, the ERTRAC Conference 2025 kicked off with two inspiring keynotes by our chairman Stephan Neugebauer (BMW Group) and deputy Head of Unit Andrea Gentili (European Commission, DG RTD). They both discussed the importance of competitiveness for Europe to be successful in its transition towards climate neutrality. Stephan Neugebauer also had the chance to present our joint proposal for the Future Automotive Partnership, a major first step towards the future.
Collaboration was at the heart of the morning discussion. Whether it is for urban mobility, for the transition towards a zero-emission and climate-neutral future or implementation of a circular economy in the automotive sector, we need to work together to develop innovative solutions. We heard from Helene Niklasson (Volvo group) the equation for a successful and quick deployment of e-mobility and from our Vice-Chairman, from the smart grids industry Uroš Salobir (ELES) the importance of planning for the grid development.
After a keynote from our co-leader Gladys Njeim, our co-leader for Pillar 4 (Apere – Renault Group), the circularity session reflected on the complexity of this matter, whether discussing processes, materials and, maybe even more importantly, time.
The need to develop innovative solutions and services for all and apply “mobirealism” as stated by Koen Kennis, deputy mayor for mobility in Antwerp concluded the first part of the conference programme.
Many of the themes discussed during the morning are also at the heart of the 2Zero partnership and should remain a driving force for our future: clean, competitive, speed and investment.
The afternoon session started with the long-distance freight transport session, where the cumulative and parallel challenges related to decarbonisation, infrastructure development, and energy transition were discussed.
The afternoon continued with the road safety (and security) session, where we could hear a clear message from Tjark Kreuzinger (Toyota Motor Europe): safe and sustainable mobility should work together to develop a truly integrated sustainable mobility.
Sovereignty was also discussed from a complementary perspective to the morning discussions, regarding data collection and management.
The last session of the day, related to CCAM, was kicked off by Pierfrancesco Maran MEP, reminding the audience that mobility is a right for every citizen. The session ended on a discussion on the importance of collaboration along the value chain, the benefit that can be brought by common data space and the role Software-Defined Vehicles can have in rethinking the way we work together to advance automation and electrification to support EU competitiveness.
A big thanks to the moderators Isabelle Schnell (Volvo Group), Peter Urban (ika-RWTH) and Christoph Weigand (Continental) !
