Conference programme

For our opening session Christina Kunkel, a professional automotive industry and mobility industry reporter for the Süddeutsche Zeitung, will investigate the current situation, major challenges, and emerging trends in the industry from two very different perspectives. 

• What is the European Commission's plan for the industry and the difficulties it is facing? 
• How will GenAI impact the sector? 
• Will the industry be able to realize its potential?

These and more questions will engage our audience in the topics of the day.
 

This panel aims to explore the intersection of the regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence, data (eg in Type Approval Framework Regulation) and sustainability in the automotive sector taking into account the possible liability issues deriving from the new regulations.
Key topics will include the anticipated EU automotive regulations set to be implemented in early 2025, the implications of the Data Act on data management and privacy, and the evolving landscape of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. Special emphasis will be placed on how these ESG perspectives align with the European Union's ambitious decarbonisation goals, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the industry.
 

Join us for an insightful session featuring industry leaders from the EV sector as they explore the future of electric mobility and sustainable energy solutions. These pioneers in the EV and energy sectors will share their expertise on the latest advancements in battery technology, electric vehicle innovations, and charging infrastructure. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how these companies are shaping the future of clean energy, accelerating the transition to zero-emissions transportation, and driving the development of next-generation mobility solutions. The session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the EV market and how these companies are shaping the future of mobility.
 

• Topic 1: The (European) automotive industry crisis    
• Topic 2: AI in the automotive industry

The conference participants will discuss in small break-out groups two very relevant automotive topics from different perspectives. 
The first topic deals with the current crisis of the European automotive industry and the challenges (and opportunities) this offers. Break-out groups will deal with the industrial transformation, restructuring measures and regulatory challenges imposed by the EU. 
The second topic will deal with the use of AI in the automotive industry, whether this concerns the manufacturing process, the sale and distribution or the use vehicles by customers.
 

The automotive sector is facing significant disruption due to economic, regulatory, and technological changes. This panel will address key issues such as supply chain disruption, restructuring and relocation as companies consider moving operations to low-cost countries, effective transitions, compliance and legal liability, international sanctions, and the increasing legal responsibilities of corporate bodies. In addition, the panel will look at human resources and skills shortages in the face of labour unrest and stringent labour laws in EU countries. Finally, the panel will discuss the impact of technological advances and changing consumer demands.

Details to follow.