In the present scenario, local and global environmental issues as well as the supply and consumption of energy, are increasingly becoming major challenges to those involved in the road transport sector. At local level the environmental issues are linked mainly to the noxious and particle emissions whereas at global level the concern is on CO₂ (since carbon dioxide is recognised to be a Green House Gas - GHG). Being related to fuel consumption, these issues depend directly on powertrain and vehicle efficiency. Heavy reductions in air pollutants are being continuously imposed through the introduction of increasingly restrictive emission regulations (NOX, HC, Particulate matters...) with additional specific local restrictions being applied for more highly populated areas (cities and conurbations).Up to now, GHGs reduction has been essentially a voluntary effort and in Europe for the transport sector is managing to respect the agreement stipulated in 1999 between the European Commission and the European car manufacturers (through their association ACEA) to reduce the CO₂ emission levels from passenger cars in 2008 by 25% in comparison to the year 1995. Since the agreement also includes a review to explore further reductions towards 120 g CO₂ per km by year 2012, it is evident that these limits cannot be attained and the emission regulations respected by acting only on relatively minor modifications to the standard ICE solutions.

Nevertheless automotive manufacturers must seek and provide improved and innovative vehicle solutions to the open market which are not only compliant with the energy and environmental conditions, but also be competitive and increasingly appealing. In other words all the main global OEMs, including those based in Europe, are essentially being forced into finding new technological solutions to respect the social and environmental needs (environmental friendly vehicles) on one hand and on the other meet the demands of the customer (improved performance, higher levels of driveability and comfort, better safety and styling) at acceptable costs (in terms of purchase and operation costs as the price of fuel continues to increase).

Failure would mean insignificant market penetration of environmentally friendly vehicles and hence no tangible benefits in terms of energy and the environment. Thus, market competitive solutions are required which result in a real, tangible impact globally while ensuring worldwide competitiveness of the European automotive industry in order to maintain or improve its role as a principal economical driver for Europe.

The purpose of the conference is to take stock of the situation and to identify trends and opportunities in the automotive market, and provide for a complete technologies overview for electric and hybrid mobility.