WITH more than 250 delegates representing over 50 organizations and drawn from 25 different countries attending, the 2nd International Conference on Future Mobility, came to a successful close, following two days of fruitful discussions and deliberations about the new technology and innovations that are shaping the world of global mobility today. The 2nd ICFM was hosted by Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA), and organized by Messe Frankfurt Middle East. Delivering the keynote address, Abdulla Abdulqader Al Maeeni, Director General of ESMA said: "The 2nd ICFM comes at a pivotal point, where both the regional and global automotive industry is undergoing major transformations. This year we've expanded the scope to include smart, connected and autonomous vehicles, in addition to topics covering electric and hybrid vehicles. "This is an important platform for government authorities, automotive consultants, manufacturers and other relevant industry players to exchange ideas, understand the best practices and gain knowledge about the latest global developments and technology advancements. We welcome various stake holders gathered here to join hands with ESMA in realizing the vision of our national leadership as UAE leads the way driving mobility into a smart, clean and connected future", he added. Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East. said: "With the GCC on the brink of witnessing an exciting transformation in sustainable mobility, the UAE is continuing its tradition of being in the forefront of promoting innovation and being a leader in effecting positive change. We are delighted to bring together an exciting conference programme and exhibition showcasing leadership in green mobility solutions and the fully autonomous vehicle." Len Hunt, the President of Al-Futtaim Automotive Group, spoke about the partnership between Al-Futtaim Motors, leader in sustainable mobility and exclusive distributor of Toyota and Lexus in the UAE, Toyota Motor Corporation and Air Liquide, one of the most established suppliers of hydrogen stations in the world. "This is a significant step forward in our journey towards contributing to the possible development of a hydrogen society, in which everything from vehicles to work and living places are powered by the zero-emission hydrogen," said Hunt. "More importantly for the UAE, using hydrogen as a primary source of fuel considerably expedites achieving the sustainability targets set by the UAE Government, and helps the country significantly reduce its CO2 footprint in the coming decades." Hunt compared the UAE to other forward-thinking countries around the world, such as Japan, the USA and several European states, all of which have implemented a hydrogen fueling infrastructure to support the deployment of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles. "The UAE is an exemplary country to pioneer new green technologies such as the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, particularly given the environmental goals set by the Government, such as the ones set by the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, aiming at making Dubai a global center of clean energy and green economy," explained Hunt. The conference also showcased a number of eco-friendly cars by Lead Sponsor Al Futtaim Motors and Platinum Sponsor Mercedes Benz. Some of the exhibits included the Toyota Mirai powered by a new Hydrogen Fuel Cell; the Toyota Camry Hybrid - using a mix of petrol and electricity driven motors; the Lexus CT, the Lexus RX Hybrid and the Lexus GS Hybrid. Mercedes Benz meanwhile showcased their B-Class Electric Drive, the new E-Class intelligent executive sedan and the GLE 500 e 4matic plug-in hybrid technology SUV. The conference also hosted a high-level roundtable involving key government authorities and industry stakeholders. The roundtable discussion focused on key infrastructure development that is required to achieve mass market acceptance for the usage of hybrid and electric vehicles. Various government authorities outlined their plans and initiatives for the development of necessary infrastructure, regulations and approvals for usage. The takeaways from the discussions at the roundtable is set to play a key role in transitioning the UAE government's vision of a smart sustainable future in the transport sector into a reality. The 2nd International Conference on Future Mobility welcomed the involvement of key international and regional Government Authorities, Regulators and Associations, including the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) as Strategic Partners; the UK Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles; the European Commission; the International Road Transport Union; and the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association.
