The use of bio-fuels in the transport sector keeps growing at a steady pace. Meanwhile, European institutions are working to find an agreement on the Commission's proposal to reform the Renewable Energy Directive (Red). At the same time, multinationals and start-ups are investing in innovation and technology to create "fossil free" fuels.
 

Additive Manufacturing techniques are a growing part of most industrial productions. The automotive world has grasped it’s economic potential and launched several experimental projects.

The e-mobility revolution is a growing reality. But fully sustainable vehicles mean more than just zero-emissions; suitable manufacturing processes and battery recycling are equally important. Among the issues to be dealt with, three deserve special mention.

The CEO, Tim Cook, restated the point in a recent interview with Bloomberg: for the first time Apple’s leading figure spoke about the company’s projects in the automotive field. In fact Mr. Cook depicted the industry in the following terms: “We view it as the mother of all AI projects and probably the most challenging to work on”.

Digitization and computer security are the challenges facing the automotive world over the next three years. According to a study by Frost & Sullivan and Irdeto, investments in this field are expected to be in the region of $ 82 billion

The European Commission's proposals on revision of the homologation process for motor vehicles and on the connected car and access to technical data are in the process of being approved. Two measures of utmost interest for the car repair industry, given the numerous and heavy implications that could arise for the after-sale sector.
 

It seemed almost impossible, but garage equipment is still evolving, with car diagnostics on the front line: more user-friendly hardware and software, the internet as a stable background to retrieve information and updates in almost real time. At the same time, where software is less essential there are talks of quick maintenance service and ergonomics
 

Multi-brand offers continue to simplify and speed up repair, while the proper awareness towards the value of a circular economy brings the virtuous process behind reconditioned spare parts to the fore

Vintage car collecting is a growing phenomenon in recent years, which brings with it a growing demand for restoration and maintenance. An attractive and wealthy market, in which services and spare parts, however, will need to be more and more specialized.

78,000 lives saved, 1,800 vehicles tested, 630 safety ratings, investments for 160 million euro. Result: safer cars than ever before. And from next year impact tests on cyclists.
 

The first few models could be unveiled already as early as the end of this year thanks to projects financed by innovative companies. The automotive sector though, has no intention of taking a back seat and is trying to get into this business. But for now unsuitable infrastructures, safety risks and the absence of dedicated regulations are clipping the wings of these “flying machines”.