GM’s Mary Barra: Connectivity of Cars Will Save Lives, Protect Environment
General Motors CEO Mary Barra will discuss changes in the transportation environment, as well as connected, autonomous, and electric vehicles, during the opening keynote for the 21st World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, to be held at Detroit’s Cobo Center and on Belle Isle in September.
“Connectivity may drive more positive change for customers than any other technological innovation our industry has produced in decades,” Barra says. “Anywhere in the world that we connect cars to cars, and cars to their surroundings, we will save lives, save time, and protect the environment. But only if automakers, suppliers, and regulators move forward together to make it happen. That’s what makes this year’s ITS World Congress such a landmark event.”
The conference — which showcases the latest transportation innovations and shares ideas and strategies for advancing the development and deployment of intelligent transportation solutions — is expected to draw more than 10,000 international business, government, and research leaders to Detroit from Sept. 7-11.
“Southeast Michigan is at the heart of a growing intelligent transportation industry that will forever change how we move people and goods,” says Scott Belcher, president and CEO of ITS America, which hosts the ITS World Congress. “There is no better place to showcase the next generation of high-tech innovation in transportation than in a resurgent Detroit.”
Belcher says the event will feature more than 20 interactive demonstrations, including a connected and autonomous vehicle technology on Belle Isle; a live traffic management center in Cobo Center; a custom racetrack where students will build and compete in electric vehicle contests; and an exhibit area for emerging transportation startups.
For more information, or to register for the event, visit itsworldcongress.org.