Senior international executives from Ford, Intelligent Energy, Renault and Volkswagen Group will debate the range of ultra-low carbon technologies that will continue the industry’s rapid progress in slashing CO2 emissions from new cars in a session at the SMMT’s International Automotive Summit on 12 June as part of the Innovation in Ultra-Low Carbon Technology stream, supported by EDF Energy.
From next generation petrol and diesel engines through hybrids and electric vehicles to hydrogen fuel cell technologies, the global automotive industry is investing heavily in the R&D and market preparation needed to develop a global ultra-low carbon vehicle fleet. Delivering the vision – taking technologies to market will explore the portfolio of products coming to market and examine why different vehicle manufacturers are backing different technologies.
Opening the session, Professor Wolfgang Steiger, Director of Future Technologies, Volkswagen AG, will speak about the company’s multi-technology approach from developing the internal combustion engine to plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. The approach backs the forecast of the Automotive Council’s Technology Roadmap that sets out the developments necessary to meet the challenging forthcoming European emission targets.
Discussing the significant contribution next generation petrol and diesel engines can make to lowering global vehicle emissions, Barb Samardzich, Vice President Product Development, Ford of Europe, will discuss the company’s compact ICE development plans examining the drivers behind Ford’s new UK-designed and engineered 1.0-litre EcoBoost powerplant. The new engine builds on UK R&D expertise to deliver CO2 emissions of 109-114g/km while providing the same power as a normally-aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine.
Focussing on the growing demand for electric vehicles, Renault’s Global Head of EVs, Thierry Koskas, will discuss the decision-making process, strategic vision and technology driving Renault’s exciting development of a raft of pure electric vehicles.
Henri Winand, CEO at leading power technology company Intelligent Energy, will round off the presentation with an insight on the development and deployment of fuel cell electric vehicles, and the infrastructure needed to bring them to market.
Having pitched their thoughts, the four speakers will take audience questions for a topical debate on industry’s technological progress and the market demand for ultra-low carbon vehicles, chaired by the broadcaster Justin Webb.
Commenting on the development of an ultra-low carbon transport network, Bethan Carver, Manager of B2C Product Development, EDF Energy, said, “The electrification of transport will require the development of innovative technologies to enable motorists to maximise the cost and carbon saving potential of plug-in vehicles. Energy suppliers will play a key role in the development and deployment of these technologies and associated customer offers”.
Along with opening keynote speeches from Ian Robertson, BMW Board Member, Global Sales and Marketing, and Peter Tyroller, Board of Management, Robert Bosch GmbH, experienced heads from the world of automotive will be seated on the panels for other streams at the Summit covering The changing face of vehicle retail, supported by GForces Web Management, and Growth in the supply chain, supported by KPMG LLP.
The demand for tickets at the Summit has been significant and all allocated tickets have now been sold. Those wishing to attend should e-mail summit@smmt.co.uk to be added to the waiting list for any tickets that become available.
To discuss advertising, exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, contact summit@smmt.co.uk (or call 0808 178 8818). The event will be held alongside the Canary Wharf Motorexpo, which runs 11-17 June.
