Which alternative powertrain technologies offer the greatest potential to reduce emissions? Should the focus be on active or passive safety systems? How can the increasing demand for vehicles in developing countries be met on a sustainable basis? These are only some of the questions that will be addressed at the 31st FISITA World Automotive Congress, taking place from 22-27 October in Yokohama, Japan. Organised by FISITA, the International Federation of Automotive Engineering Societies and JSAE, the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, the biennial World Automotive Congress is recognised as the leading international forum for the exploration of current issues in automotive technology. The main goal is to promote the international exchange of information between automotive engineers, industry, government, academia, environmental and other relevant organisations.
Plenary sessions will focus on the themes “Environment & Energy”, “Manufacturing & Logistics”, “Traffic Control & Transportation”, “Safety” and “Collaborative Engineering”. Each of these topics will be explored in depth by leading experts.
In the opening plenary session, top technical leaders from five global automakers will discuss the key issues which they believe will drive the automotive industry in the next two decades. Among them are high-ranking speakers such as Lawrence D. Burns, General Motors Vice President Research & Development & Strategic Planning, and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Burkhard Goeschel, member of BMWs Board of Management, both influential experts in the field of automotive technology. Further insights will be delivered by Jacques Lacambre, Chief Technology Officer of Renault; Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, President of Hyundais Research & Development Centre, and Motoatsu Shiraishi, President and Director of Research & Development of Honda.
Meet the World’s Growing Demand for Mobility on a Sustainable Basis
The motivation behind the congress is described by Daniel M. Hancock, 2004-06 FISITA President and Vice President, GM Powertrain, Engineering Operations: “It is only through international cooperation between engineers, societies and companies that the automotive industry can hope to meet the worlds growing demand for mobility of people and goods on a sustainable basis.”
Dr. Akihiko Saito, Vice Chairman of DENSO Corporation and future President of the FISITA, explains what distinguishes the World Automotive Congress from other automotive events: “The FISITA congress brings together decision makers, experts from government and representatives from the regulatory and academic communities with the worlds top automotive engineers, making FISITA an international platform that is unique worldwide.”
Over 650 papers will be presented by distinguished engineers, scientists and specialists from 39 countries enabling delegates to debate the ideas which will influence automotive innovation in the future. “The programme encompasses every important aspect of vehicle technology, from alternative powertrains to new materials. That's why this congress is so influential in helping set the research & development agenda around the world”, FISITAs Chief Executive Ian Dickie says.
More than 100 technical sessions will cover the 5 themes “Vehicle Design & Manufacturing”, “Powertrain Technology”, “Driver/Vehicle Interface, Information and Assistance Systems”, “Vehicle Safety” and “Transportation Challenges in Emerging Economies”. A series of four special sessions on Vehicle Safety Communications (VSC) will be presented by global experts on this fast-
growing technology and will focus on developments which prevent vehicle accidents and reduce fatalities.
To support engineering students, FISITA will also organise its 8th Student Congress in Yokohama running in parallel to the main congress.
In addition to the plenary sessions and technical presentations, delegates can also attend an exhibition showing the latest automotive products and services from the worlds leading OEMs, suppliers and engineering technology companies. Visits to the Japan Automobile Research Institute and Nissans Oppama plant are scheduled.
For information about FISITA Events, please visit https://www.fisita.com/events