Q&A with Chris Mason, CEO of FISITA: a look at the FISITA World Mobility Summit 2024

Chris, the FISITA World Mobility Summit 2024 is approaching fast. Could you give us an overview of what to expect this year?
This year’s Summit is taking place on 13 and 14 November 2024 at the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. The theme, “To EV or not to EV: the new landscape of the sustainable mobility age”, reflects the critical conversations happening across the technology of mobility sector today. As the world moves towards electrification, this event will focus on the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the future of sustainable mobility technology.

It’s designed as a high-level strategic event, bringing together senior leaders from global automotive and mobility brands to explore these topics. The event includes a full-day strategy session and features a lineup of C-suite executives, including CEOs and VPs, who will lead discussions that shape the future of mobility engineering. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage deeply with these leaders and gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the industry.

The theme is particularly timely. Can you expand on why “To EV or Not to EV” was chosen?
The global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) has started is sustaining a massive conversation in and around the industry. We’re seeing rapid progress, but it’s also clear that challenges remain—whether it’s around industry evolution, infrastructure, battery technology, or even broader industry and societal concerns challenges and opportunities.

This year’s theme, “To EV or not to EV”, allows us to explore the full spectrum of these issues topics related to the challenges and opportunities of electrification. We’re not just looking at the benefits of EVs, but also addressing the bumps in the road, from materials and resources to next-generation battery technologies and the operational perspective.

The Summit will address several crucial topics, including the history of EVs, global progress towards electrification and the associated challenges and opportunities across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. It will also explore technical, societal, and industry perspectives for the next 10–20 years, along with discussions on EV infrastructure, materials, energy considerations, and insurance-related aspects.

In summary, this year’s Summit will take It’s about taking a comprehensive look at what it will take to how electrification is set to move forward successfully, and the Summit is the perfect place to have these conversations.

For those who may not be familiar, could you explain what FISITA is and its role in the mobility industry?
FISITA is a the global membership organisation that connects engineers, executives, leaders and experts from the technology of mobility industry. Our goal is to support members advance mobility technology by encouraging collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation. Through our events, such as the FISITA World Mobility Summit, we provide a platform for these leaders to engage in strategic conversations discussion about the future of mobility.

Our members range from vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers to new tech companies and start-ups, and we focus on creating delivering a pre-competitive environment where key stakeholders can work together to solve shared consider ‘real world’ challenges and opportunities.

With the mobility landscape evolving so quickly, how does FISITA ensure the Summit stays relevant and forward-thinking?
We continuously engage with our members and the broader industry to ensure the Summit reflects the most current challenges view of the international landscape and trends. Our International Strategy Group member-leader colleagues plays a vital role in shaping the agenda, ensuring the topics are timely and forward-thinking.

The Summit is designed to keep pace with the rapid evolution of mobility technology the technology of mobility, providing a platform for discussions that anticipate future trends while addressing the challenges we face today. It’s this commitment to relevance and innovation that makes the event so impactful for our community.

How can people still get involved if they haven’t yet registered?
There are still opportunities for attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors to get involved, but I encourage people to act quickly as spaces are limited. Whether you’re attending in person as a delegate or showcasing your brand through sponsorship or exhibition opportunities, this is a valuable chance to be part of the conversation shaping the future of the technology of mobility.

For anyone interested, I’d recommend visiting our website to take advantage of exclusive member specials before they run out!

Finally, what would you say to someone considering attending the Summit for the first time?
If you’re passionate about the future of mobility and want to be part of the global conversation on sustainable solutions, this is the event to attend. You’ll have the chance to learn from industry experts, engage in meaningful discussions, and expand your network. It’s not just about being there—it’s about being part of the leadership movement network shaping the next generation of the technology of mobility.

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