Nissan has launched a brand new expert Advisory Board focused on furthering intelligent mobility beyond the automotive community in Europe.
Convened for the very first time at the Crystal in London – one of the world’s most sustainable buildings, the Intelligent Motoring Advisory Board brought together a cross-section of industry leaders to tackle one of the fundamental issues of our age – the future of mobility and “smarter,” cleaner living.
Led by the head of electric vehicles for Nissan in Europe, Gareth Dunsmore, the Advisory Board was independently chaired by eminent technology and science commentator Stephen Pritchard.
Made up of twelve members from across Europe, representing a range of companies and organizations including the European Climate Foundation and Frost & Sullivan and Ecotricity, the Intelligent Motoring Advisory Board will convene twice a year as part of an ongoing partnership and program of activity.
Members of the Nissan Intelligent Motoring Advisory Board include:
- Frederic Hauge, Founder and President, Bellona
- Dr. Gregory Offer, Senior Lecturer, Imperial College London
- Jorn Madslien, Editor-at-Large, Green.TV
- Marie Castelli, Secretary General, Avere
- Pete Harrison, Director, Transport Programme, European Climate Foundation
- Sarwant Singh, Senior Partner, Frost & Sullivan
- Simon Crowfoot, Board Director, Ecotricity
- Dr. Valentina Gentili, Principal Scientist, Johnson Matthey Battery Systems
Commenting on the launch of the board, Nissan’s Gareth Dunsmore said that Nissan was not content just to sit back and watch as our cities become more complex, crowded and congested.
“Selling cars is no longer a moment-in-time transaction,” Mr Dunsmore said. “Cars have a fundamental impact on the cities we live in and the lives we lead. With the advent of new technologies and drivetrain innovations, new mobility solutions can make our lives ‘smarter’ and better connected. This is why we’re thrilled to launch the Nissan Intelligent Motoring Advisory Board; we hope others in the industry will join us on this journey.”
The inaugural meeting, which took place on April 27, 2016, focused on the topic of smart motoring and the connected city conundrum. Though convened by Nissan, the Advisory Board remains an independent group of experts. Its primary aim is to provide an open space for leaders in their field to share ideas in search of mobility solutions, which could change the way we live. This may be electric vehicles today, but the group will also explore future possibilities.
Nissan remains a market leader in providing mass-market electric vehicle (EV) solutions with its Nissan LEAF and e-NV200 van. Sales of Nissan’s EVs are now in excess of 220,000 globally with the Nissan LEAF 30 kWh now providing customers with an extended driving range of up to 250km on one charge. The company is also working with energy companies and power management firms to explore next generation battery technology, giving EV owners access to smarter, cleaner energy management systems, which can also save them money.
Sarwant Singh, Senior Partner at Frost and Sullivan and mega trends expert said: “Mobility is undergoing a huge transformation with the advent of digitisation, urbanisation and a marked behavioral change in millennials. It is therefore heartening to see that industry-leading players like Nissan are bringing thought leaders together to shape the future of mobility.”
The next Board meeting is scheduled to take place in October 2016.
