Conclusive debates surrounding connected and automated mobility (CAM) are becoming ever more pressing as such advanced technology reach Britain’s roads in growing numbers, and the commercial vehicle sector is helping to lead the way. It’s no surprise therefore that the sector is taking centre stage at SMMT Connected in London next week – providing an unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest developments.
The event, taking place at the QEII Centre in London on Thursday 14 March, will bring together more than 400 senior representatives from industry, government, media, and key stakeholders across deeptech, autotech, insurance, telecoms, infrastructure and wider transport sectors.
SMMT Connected was last held in 2019, and significant CAM advancements have been brought about through industry investment and innovation in the following five years. Today, a new generation of vehicles is emerging – vehicles that are connected, laden with technology, defined by software and increasingly electrified.
Buses have been on the frontier of deploying automated vehicles on public roads, such as through shuttlebuses and the CAVForth project in Scotland, and SMMT Connected will feature a vehicle exhibition and panel sessions involving some key commercial vehicle players.
Dr. René Sebastian Hosse from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, for example, will contribute to a panel session discussing the potential use cases for automated driving technology – as well as the lessons learned from trials and demonstrations, and the remaining challenges related to commercial deployment.
Delegates will also gain insights into the government’s plans for regulating the safe and responsible introduction of automated vehicles on roads.
Another crucial aspect of automated vehicle adoption is building public trust. Kevin Green from Logistics UK will participate in a panel exploring strategies to enhance public trust and confidence in this technology.
Discussions will delve into the efficiency and operational benefits of connected and automated mobility for commercial and business users, as well as its potential to democratise access to mobility.
In a session titled ‘Seeing is Believing’, Scania’s Peter Hafman will showcase real-world examples of commercial automated vehicle deployment. The panel will share valuable insights gleaned from these early rollouts and discuss the keys to achieving public and commercial acceptance of this transformative technology.
SMMT Connected 2024 promises to be an enlightening and insightful event, offering a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of automated vehicles in the commercial sector.
Keynote speakers
- Bryn Balcombe, Autonomy Systems & Regulation Expert, Oxa; Bill Esterson MP, Shadow Minister for Roads
- Robert Smith, Director of Technology AI and Data Science, Digital Catapult
- Céline Laurent-Winter, Vice President Connected Vehicle Platforms, BMW Group
- Maria Cristina Galassi, Project Leader – Automated/Connected Vehicles and Safety at the European Commission DG GROW.
Connected panellists
- Johannes Springer, Director General, 5GAA
- Ali İhsan Danışman, Chief Commercial Officer, ADASTEC
- Amelia Armour, Partner, Early Stage Funds, Amadeus Capital Partners
- David Keene BSc. CEng. FIET FRSA, Chief Executive Officer, Aurrigo
- Lee Callaghan, General Counsel – Group Centre & International Group Competition Counsel, Aviva
- Isobel Pastor, Head – Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, Department for Transport
- Robert Smith, Director of Technology AI & Data Science, Digital Catapult
- Tom Stringer, Product Strategy Director, JLR
- Kevin Green, Director of Policy and Communications, Logistics UK
- Rob Rugman, Head of IT Architecture, Motability Operations
- Cerys Wyn Davies, Partner, Pinsent Masons (Moderator)
- Manuel Maier, Vice President Product Area Automated Valet Parking, Robert Bosch
- Jim Sanders, Director of Innovation, Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB)
- Peter Hafmar, Vice President & Head of Autonomous Solutions, Scania
- Andrew Hart, Chief Executive, SBD Automotive
- Ben Gardner, Partner, Shoosmiths (Moderator)
- Maria Uvarova, SVP of Software Product, Stellantis
- Dr René Hosse, Head of AD System Definition & Assurance, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
- George Ivanov, Head of International Policy and Government Affairs, Waymo
- Sarah Gates, Director – Public Policy, Wayve
- Joe Poynter, Director of Enterprise Partnerships, what3words
Tickets for the SMMT Connected 2024 are available to purchase. SMMT Members will be eligible for one complimentary ticket per member organisation – subject to availability.
For information about registration, exhibition and partnership packages, contact SMMT’s Events team by emailing connected@smmt.co.uk
