European Commissioner for Climate Action & Energy, Miguel Arias Cañete, addressed the challenges he sees in mobility at the FIA Summer Cocktail. Knowing that transportation also underpins much of daily life for Europeans, he gave insights on how to achieve mobility that both empowers citizens and respects the environment.

Speaking on future vehicle emissions targets, the Commissioner said, “Different levels of ambition are being assessed, including a reduction between 68-78g CO₂ in 2025, as proposed by the European Parliament. Consumers are at the centre of our policies and they will directly benefit from a better environment, safer roads and greater choice.”

FIA President, Jean Todt, said “Reducing the impact that transportation has on the environment without sacrificing the access and opportunities offered by mobility is a key challenge for decision-makers. The FIA can contribute to this process, bringing its long experience in transport and mobility, together with the expertise gained in motor sport. Motor sport offers a unique platform to pilot innovation and encourage technological progress, that can then be passed on to consumers.”

FIA Region I President, Thierry Willemarck said, “Technology and innovation can improve transport efficiency by reducing tailpipe emissions and fostering optimal use of different transport modes. We think Mobility as a Service, the on-demand delivery of a variety of transport options in a single monthly subscription, has an important role to play in improving transport sustainability, along with efficient targets for CO₂ reduction post 2020.”

The FIA’s annual Summer Cocktail at the Bibliothèque Solvay brought together nearly 150 policymakers, European Automobile Clubs and stakeholders in the mobility community of Brussels.

[END]

About FIA Region I
The FIA Region I office, based in Brussels, is a consumer body representing 113 Motoring and Touring Clubs and their 38 million members from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The FIA represents the interest of these members as motorists, public transport users, pedestrians and tourists. The FIA’s primary goal is to secure a mobility that is safe, affordable, sustainable and efficient. With these aims in mind, FIA Region I’s work focuses on Road Safety, Consumer Protection, Environmental Protection, and the promotion of Sustainable Motoring. www.fiaregion1.com