The European Commission recently launched the C-ITS project to study a “standard, interoperable and safe open-access platform”, and points to three possible solutions: an interoperable on-board OTP system (Open Telematics Platform), an advanced direct user-interface or IVI system (In-Vehicle Interface) and an external cloud-based platform (Extended Vehicle). But only one of these, according to AICA, can guarantee the creation and subsequent development of independent and competitive services.

According to forecasts provided by Autopromotec’s Observatory, within five years the European market will reach a turnover of over 48 billion euro, surpassing what is now to be considered the world's largest market, the US. Growth, though, will be staggering in all countries.

According to a research published by Information Trends, in 2032 vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells could amount to as many as 22.2 million. But reaching these volumes will largely depend on investments in innovation and technologies aimed at breaking down the production costs of hydrogen and create a capillary network of refueling stations.

The initiative for heavy vehicles represents an important part of the 2017 Bologna trade show, in a segment that is becoming increasingly strategic and competitive. A guide and exhibition space dedicated to the sector will facilitate the visit of the operators concerned.

In view of the next Autopromotec edition, here are some helpful tips to effectively manage business meetings with foreign operators.
 

In Hall 30, a virtual journey turns the spotlight on the repairs of tomorrow. An exclusive preview reflecting the profound changes that are redefining the car and the way it interacts with the outside world, with new technologies that will require independent workshops to make a significant leap in their mindsets to remain competitive.

The Italian Independent aftermarket is currently enjoying good health and closed last year with a positive sign. Apart from last year’s figures though, the whole supply chain is undergoing  a reorganization of relationships and partnerships between trading partners creating a new economic balance. According to the Polytechnic University of Turin and more specifically its research center for the automotive sector, a selection process favoring the most virtuous companies is currently taking place.
 

Starting next year, all newly registered vehicles must be equipped with an on-board  e-Call service device. A system that will significantly improve road safety (a 10% reduction in the number of road accident victims per year is hoped for), and one that aftermarket specialists would do well to become familiar with.

According to Giuseppe Barile, President of ANFIA Components Group, UK's exit from the single market will create some shock waves in the market. For Italian automotive companies this translates into 2.9 billion Euro in exports. "Knowing what will happen is still premature. Certainly, one thing to avoid is a return to the rules of the WTO, where 10% excise duty on cars and 4.5% on single components would be harmful".
 

The fear that a person other than the owner might control a car,  is pushing car manufacturers to invest in cyber security. And not just them, individual companies too, increasingly worried about having their systems “hacked” and the consequence this would have in their business are also moving in the same direction.
 

There are several hybrid systems around, and unlike popular opinions in the past, plug-in hybrid cars are losing ground to full hybrid vehicles which are gaining consistent shares of the market, despite some initial mistrust. However, these new power units are also proving to be more economical and efficient in terms of maintenance and repair.