Formula E and FIA launch Smart Cities Initiative

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Formula E and FIA launch Smart Cities Initiative

Formula E and FIA launch Smart Cities Initiative

Formula E, the world’s first fully-electric single-seater racing series and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has today announced the Smart Cities Initiative, a new programme created to promote the use of safe, sustainable and accessible e-mobility solutions in cities.

The initiative aims to form synergies between the motorsport and mobility pillars of the FIA, bringing industry experts, public authorities and mobility specialists together to identify and tackle issues facing over populated, heavily polluted cities.

Three races have been selected to hold Smart Cities conferences during the 2016/17 season of the FIA Formula E Championship along with a special event in Paris, with each focusing on a key area linked to e-mobility and urban growth. The first Smart Cities Forum, in Mexico City, will highlight the advancement of green mobility while during the Berlin ePrix the initiative will address new mobility models. During the season finale, taking place in Montreal on July 29 & 30, the Smart Cities Forum will discuss the rise of Smart Data and its capabilities.

During the Awards Gala event to celebrate the end of the season in Montreal, a panel of judges will recognise two of the best projects that have been nominated by each of the Formula E races held this season to be recognised for their efforts in mobility services and mobility solutions.

The Smart Cities Start-up, established in conjunction with investment fund company Digital Leaders Ventures, will take place during the week of each race and will identify, support and invest in some of the most innovative and relevant technology companies on a concept that could help revolutionise how cities approach e-mobility issues, sustainability, safety and being connected.

Alejandro Agag, Founder & CEO of Formula E, said: “I am delighted that the FIA has chosen Formula E to partner them on the Smart Cities Initiative. It is an ambitious task to address the issues city centres are facing such as air pollution and e-mobility, and I am proud that together with the governing body and our partners we are celebrating those who are creating new technologies in the fight against climate change. As the automotive industry is moving toward electrification, Formula E is a platform that can accelerate and promote the change to sustainable mobility.”

“The FIA Smart Cities is something entirely new for our Federation,” said FIA President Jean Todt. “We wanted to come up with an initiative that could bring together the best aspects of sustainable mobility, to make a mark on the cities that host rounds of the FIA Formula E Championship, a series that presents the best opportunities for synergies between the two pillars on which the FIA stands, sport and mobility. We have the support of the city councils, of our clubs and also important players from the industry and the finance, who have opted to support us in this initiative. Solving the mobility challenge will require bold, coordinated actions from the private and public sectors: it is my hope that the FIA Smart Cities initiative can contribute to design better cities for those who live in them now and for future generations.”

“Our global partnership with the FIA Formula E Championship supports to raise awareness towards innovative technologies for more sustainable means of transport. Being one of the founding partners, the FIA Smart Cities Initiative is a logical step as this will enable us to contribute to the discussion of the future of mobility. Our Next Generation philosophy revolves around an exploration of the global megatrends set to affect our lives in years to come and it seeks out sustainable growth opportunities based on those megatrends, one of which is definitely energy transition and its interlinked topic mobility,” said Marco Parroni, Head Global Sponsoring Bank Julius Baer.

“We are pleased to be part of the FIA Smart Cities initiative, which is a unique opportunity to create an intersectoral platform for best practice sharing on energy, innovation, connectivity and Smart Urban Services,” said Robert Denda, Head of Network Technology at Global Infrastructure and Networks division at multinational energy company ENEL, which is Formula E’s Official Power Partner. “We will contribute our technology and leadership in Smart Grids development, leveraging on our partnership with Formula E, to help shape a global smart community which promotes efficiency, sustainability and smart mobility to make our cities better places to live in.”

“As Michelin is committed to all initiatives that improve road safety and to construct the mobility of tomorrow, it is only natural that the company stands alongside the FIA and supports the Smart Cities initiative”, said Claire Dorland-Clauzel, a member of Michelin’s Executive Committee. “In accordance with its sustainable development policy, Michelin is committed to facilitating the development of sustainable mobility in all its activities. We are therefore delighted that the FIA wishes to recognise cities which implement actions and put in place structures that allow for mobility that is more ecological, intelligent and efficient energy-wise.”