Kick off Automotive Europe 2026 with an inspiring opening introduction from our Event chair. This will outline the key themes that will be explored over the 2 days and highlight some of the interactive session, panels and presentation set to address these issues Event Chair: Nazanine Moshiri Senior Advisor - Berghof Foundation
Wolfgang Ufer, CEO, Smart Europe
This interview will be moderated by a Reuters journalist under the Reuters Trust Principles
Andreas Zürnstein, President & CEO Deutschland, Hyundai Motor Company
This interview will be moderated by a Reuters journalist under the Reuters Trust Principles
Chinese OEMs are expanding their presence across Europe, and at pace. This keynote uses JATO's market and finance data to provide an objective assessment of performance, positioning and strategic direction.
- The analysis covers market share evolution, product and pricing strategies as well as value positioning, alongside a review of routes to market using finance and affordability indicators. - - - These findings are set against the broader backdrop of regulatory change, technology transition and shifting consumer expectations affecting all manufacturers operating in Europe.
- An insightful, data led session, the keynote offers industry leaders a grounded view of how the competitive landscape is evolving and what that means for both established players and newer entrants.
Adam Embelto, Director - Senior Sales, JATO
Steffen Michulski, Senior Consultant, JATO
• Analyse digitising end-to-end process from: IoT sensors, MES, digital twins, and AI scheduling
• Explore how IoT-enabled visibility optimises business performance, improves planning accuracy, reduces downtime, and lowers total landed cost across supply chain + manufacturing
• Discuss governance and scalability for industrial IoT and how to prove ROI from pilots to network-wide deployment
Host: Dr Clare Mutzenich, Professor of Practice in Human–AI Interaction, Ilze
Grase Kibilde, Director Business Development, Digitalisation and Compliance After Sales Business, AUDI AG
Diver deeper into the most pressing automotive issues and take part in the interactive workshops. Designed to encourage practical learning, fresh thinking, and open discussion. These focused sessions gives attendees the opportunity to dive deeper into key industry topics, share experiences, and explore real-world solutions alongside peers and experts. With a collaborative format and hands-on approach.
A Q&A with Autobrains' Founder& CEO on how the industry can make autonomy commercially scalable - not only for robotaxis, but for the broader passenger car market.
The discussion will address one of the biggest financial barriers in autonomous driving: the cost and complexity of scaling advanced autonomy across vehicle platforms, markets, and use cases. It will explore how AI can reduce dependence on expensive sensor stacks, heavy compute, HD maps, and long deployment cycles - helping OEMs and mobility platforms move from high-cost autonomy programs to scalable commercial deployment.
Igal Raichelgauz, CEO, Autobrains
• Stay globally competitive through software-defined vehicles and unlock new revenue and innovations.
• Discover how data analytics and AI can streamline OEM processes, boost quality, and accelerate development across the value chain.
• Identify the critical capabilities, organisational changes, and investments required to execute a winning, software-first strategy.
Marcus Welz, CEO, Hyundai Connected Mobility
Xuan-Zheng Goh, Director – Product Marketing and Communications, Smart Europe
Peter Matkin, Executive Director – Program Management, Vehicle concepts, Chery
Moderator: Nazanine Moshiri Senior Advisor - Berghof Foundation
The automotive industry is at a turning point. The shift from hardware-defined vehicles to software-defined vehicles is unlocking entirely new opportunities for innovation and revenue creation.
Through in-car connectivity platforms, OEMs now have the opportunity to move beyond traditional business models monetizing digital services and creating continuous value through the connected vehicle experience.
But taking the strategic bet to invest in connectivity is not without challenges.
In this interactive workshop, we will focus on identifying and unpacking the key challenges that come with monetizing connectivity at scale. This is not a one-way session participants will play an active role by contributing their own experiences, perspectives, and insights.
Erik Fibert, Commercial Lead, Telenor IOT
Anis Babajic, Business Analyst, Telenor IOT
Linn Gustafsson, Legal Counsel, Telenor IOT
Vikram Datar, Automotive Sales Manager, Telenor IOT
• Gain insight into the latest how car to everything (C V2X) messaging results in smoother merges, safer intersections, and better navigation through complex city centres.
• Understand how sensor fusion, imaging radar plus HD localization, feed predictive planning to make driving safer than ever.
• Explore how end to end validation (simulation, track, and on road) and over the air updates continuously raise performance while complying with Europe's safety and software rules.
Moderator: Murtuza Ali, Senior Analyst, Counterpoint Research
Dr. Ismail Dagli, Member of the Executive Board, AUMOVIO
Nina Roeck, VP Software Drive and Comfort, Ampere Cars
Duong Van, Nguyen - Global Deputy CEO, VinFast
• Acquire a deeper insight into the value of global sourcing diversification to reduce reliance on a single supplier or region, particularly for semiconductors and EV batteries.
• Overcome supply chain adversity through implementing flexibility solutions such as Digital twins and Giga-casting to protect profit margins despite market volatility.• See how connected factory data and predictive analytics deliver SKU level transparency, drive cost savings, tighten QC, prevent excess inventory, and identify root cause defects faster. Moderator: Luberto Van Buiten, Nexus Communication
Tobias Moch, Chief Procurement Officer, JLR
• Connecting the dots between new in-car technologies and evolving revenue streams
• Identifying the opportunities new technologies and financing models unlock for OEMs and retailers
• Dissecting how OEMs need to balance profitability with compliance and consumer trust
• Looking ahead at the next areas of investment
Moderator: Berveleen Mashonga – Head of Global Strategy & Marketing, Allnex
Martin Kristensson, Head of Product Strategy, Volvo Cars
Dominique Massonie, Head of Software Internalisation, NIO
Paul Humphreys, Managing Director – Retail, Cox Automotive Europe
Sponsored by – Cox Automotive
Join this interactive poll-led panel and share your opinions we collectively discuss this polarising topic:
• Compare how Europe and China are approaching autonomous driving, software-defined vehicle architectures, and smart infrastructure
• Explore how differing regulations, data policies, and ecosystems are accelerating or constraining innovation on both sides
• Debate in real time who is ahead in autonomy, software, capital, and consumer adoption, and identity what strategies can be adopted from the “winner’s”
Moderator: Peter Richardson, VP Partner and Research Director, Counterpoint Research
Baris Baloglu, Head of MB.OS PMT & Governance SW & SYS Engineering , Mercedes-Benz
Jan Weiß, Head of Procurement, Volkswagen Group
• Apply AI-powered predictive maintenance and automation to reduce unplanned stops, boost throughput, and stabilize delivery.
• Secure insights into end-to-end control using digital twins and. Improve quality in real time, and orchestrate smarter, faster line changes.
• Build the ROI case for Industry 4.0, prioritise high-impact pilots, and replicate results globally for sustainable efficiency and resilience.
Dirk Voeste, Chief Sustainability Officer, Volkswagen Group
Reuters journalists take the audience inside their reporting on whether Europe’s automakers can remain competitive as the industry confronts its most disruptive transition in decades. Drawing on extensive coverage of European carmakers, suppliers and policymakers, the session examines how companies are responding to mounting pressure from Chinese rivals, EV price wars, shrinking margins and rising production costs. The briefing looks at how strategy is shifting inside boardrooms and factories, from pricing and product mix to manufacturing footprints and partnerships, and what these moves reveal about Europe’s ability to defend its home market and compete globally in the next phase of the auto transition.
Rachel More, Automotive Correspondent, Reuters
Christoph Steitz, Chief Company News Correspondent, Germany, Reuters
Brian Thevenot, Reuters Global Industry Editor, Autos & Supply Chain, Reuters
Alfredo Altavilla, Special Advisor for European Market, BYD
This interview will be moderated by a Reuters journalist under the Reuters Trust Principles
• Extend the customer relationship and monetize vehicle lifecycle value through AI-enabled OTA updates, subscription services, and data-driven offerings that generate recurring income
• Strengthen global scalability by deploying unified software architectures that adapt to regional compliance requirements without fragmenting your technology stack
• Accelerate time-to-market for new features and services by leveraging AI-driven development frameworks that respond to evolving customer demands
Moderator: Paul Bennett, Managing Partner, Maddox Square
Frédéric Vincent, Chief Information Officer, Renault
Yuri Rodrigues, SVP Head of Quality, Stellantis
Mirjam Abel, SVP Digital Experience/Business, AUDI AG
• Learn how to unlock continuous, software-driven innovation allowing OEMs and service providers to roll out new autonomous functions and over the air upgrades rapidly and consistently across many cities and member states.
• Highlight the importance of trusted, data rich automotive ecosystem in improving perception and planning performance while strengthening public trust and regulatory acceptance.
• Unpack the next steps in making every vehicle ""city ready"" through roadside infrastructure and traffic management systems in any compliant city, extending the usable life and value of autonomous services
Yuhan Yao, Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer in ADAS Business Unit, Bosch
This interview will be moderated by a Reuters journalist under the Reuters Trust Principles
This interview will be moderated by a Reuters journalist under the Reuters Trust Principles
Matt Shen, Executive President of CATL Oversea Car Business, CATL
• Understanding new standard of competition in providing the best services.
• Learn from real cases studies about how to enhance UX through continuous, iterative improvements over the lifecycle of the vehicle avoid the same pitfalls.
• Explore how can personalised services continue to produce commercial value post sale?
Wolfgang Bremer - Design Executive at Fortune 500s and Global Startups
Christoph Muescher-Maibaum, Connected Car & Mobility Software - Product & Strategy, Mercedes-Benz AG
• Use case studies to decarbonise production, stay ahead of regulation, and cut emissions and costs through circularity processes.
• Transform EVs into grid assets with V2G and smart charging to lower energy spend stabilising demand and monetising flexibility.
• Signal leadership by partnering across your eco conscious value chain to win sustainable customers, attract green investment, and strengthen your licence to operate.
Tania Khasal, Chief Governance Cyber Security Engineer, Volkswagen Group
Jim Baumback, President of Ford Europe, Ford Motor Company
This interview will be moderated by a Reuters journalist under the Reuters Trust Principles
Xavier Martinet, CEO, Hyundai Motor Europe
This interview will be moderated by a Reuters journalist under the Reuters Trust Principles
Chinese OEMs are expanding their presence across Europe, and at pace. This keynote uses JATO's market and finance data to provide an objective assessment of performance, positioning and strategic direction.
- The analysis covers market share evolution, product and pricing strategies as well as value positioning, alongside a review of routes to market using finance and affordability indicators. - - - These findings are set against the broader backdrop of regulatory change, technology transition and shifting consumer expectations affecting all manufacturers operating in Europe.
- An insightful, data led session, the keynote offers industry leaders a grounded view of how the competitive landscape is evolving and what that means for both established players and newer entrants.
Adam Embelto, Director - Senior Sales, JATO
Steffen Michulski, Senior Consultant, JATO
A Q&A with Autobrains' Founder& CEO on how the industry can make autonomy commercially scalable - not only for robotaxis, but for the broader passenger car market.
The discussion will address one of the biggest financial barriers in autonomous driving: the cost and complexity of scaling advanced autonomy across vehicle platforms, markets, and use cases. It will explore how AI can reduce dependence on expensive sensor stacks, heavy compute, HD maps, and long deployment cycles - helping OEMs and mobility platforms move from high-cost autonomy programs to scalable commercial deployment.
Igal Raichelgauz, CEO, Autobrains
Reuters journalists take the audience inside their reporting on whether Europe’s automakers can remain competitive as the industry confronts its most disruptive transition in decades. Drawing on extensive coverage of European carmakers, suppliers and policymakers, the session examines how companies are responding to mounting pressure from Chinese rivals, EV price wars, shrinking margins and rising production costs. The briefing looks at how strategy is shifting inside boardrooms and factories, from pricing and product mix to manufacturing footprints and partnerships, and what these moves reveal about Europe’s ability to defend its home market and compete globally in the next phase of the auto transition.
Rachel More, Automotive Correspondent, Reuters
Christoph Steitz, Chief Company News Correspondent, Germany, Reuters
Brian Thevenot, Reuters Global Industry Editor, Autos & Supply Chain, Reuters
Alfredo Altavilla, Special Advisor for European Market, BYD
This interview will be moderated by a Reuters journalist under the Reuters Trust Principles
• Stay globally competitive through software-defined vehicles and unlock new revenue and innovations.
• Discover how data analytics and AI can streamline OEM processes, boost quality, and accelerate development across the value chain.
• Identify the critical capabilities, organisational changes, and investments required to execute a winning, software-first strategy.
Marcus Welz, CEO, Hyundai Connected Mobility
Xuan-Zheng Goh, Director – Product Marketing and Communications, Smart Europe
Peter Matkin, Executive Director – Program Management, Vehicle concepts, Chery
Moderator: Nazanine Moshiri Senior Advisor - Berghof Foundation
• Gain insight into the latest how car to everything (C V2X) messaging results in smoother merges, safer intersections, and better navigation through complex city centres.
• Understand how sensor fusion, imaging radar plus HD localization, feed predictive planning to make driving safer than ever.
• Explore how end to end validation (simulation, track, and on road) and over the air updates continuously raise performance while complying with Europe's safety and software rules.
Moderator: Murtuza Ali, Senior Analyst, Counterpoint Research
Dr. Ismail Dagli, Member of the Executive Board, AUMOVIO
Nina Roeck, VP Software Drive and Comfort, Ampere Cars
Duong Van, Nguyen - Global Deputy CEO, VinFast
Join this interactive poll-led panel and share your opinions we collectively discuss this polarising topic:
• Compare how Europe and China are approaching autonomous driving, software-defined vehicle architectures, and smart infrastructure
• Explore how differing regulations, data policies, and ecosystems are accelerating or constraining innovation on both sides
• Debate in real time who is ahead in autonomy, software, capital, and consumer adoption, and identity what strategies can be adopted from the “winner’s”
Moderator: Peter Richardson, VP Partner and Research Director, Counterpoint Research
Baris Baloglu , Head of MB.OS PMT & Governance SW & SYS Engineering , Mercedes-Benz
Jan Weiß, Head of Procurement, Volkswagen Group
• Learn how to unlock continuous, software-driven innovation allowing OEMs and service providers to roll out new autonomous functions and over the air upgrades rapidly and consistently across many cities and member states.
• Highlight the importance of trusted, data rich automotive ecosystem in improving perception and planning performance while strengthening public trust and regulatory acceptance.
• Unpack the next steps in making every vehicle ""city ready"" through roadside infrastructure and traffic management systems in any compliant city, extending the usable life and value of autonomous services
Yuhan Yao, Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer in ADAS Business Unit, Bosch
• Analyse digitising end-to-end process from: IoT sensors, MES, digital twins, and AI scheduling
• Explore how IoT-enabled visibility optimises business performance, improves planning accuracy, reduces downtime, and lowers total landed cost across supply chain + manufacturing
• Discuss governance and scalability for industrial IoT and how to prove ROI from pilots to network-wide deployment
Host: Dr Clare Mutzenich, Professor of Practice in Human–AI Interaction, Ilze
Grase Kibilde, Director Business Development, Digitalisation and Compliance After Sales Business, AUDI AG
The automotive industry is at a turning point. The shift from hardware-defined vehicles to software-defined vehicles is unlocking entirely new opportunities for innovation and revenue creation.
Through in-car connectivity platforms, OEMs now have the opportunity to move beyond traditional business models monetizing digital services and creating continuous value through the connected vehicle experience.
But taking the strategic bet to invest in connectivity is not without challenges.
In this interactive workshop, we will focus on identifying and unpacking the key challenges that come with monetizing connectivity at scale. This is not a one-way session participants will play an active role by contributing their own experiences, perspectives, and insights.
Erik Fibert, Commercial Lead, Telenor IOT
Anis Babajic, Business Analyst, Telenor IOT
Linn Gustafsson, Legal Counsel, Telenor IOT
Vikram Datar, Automotive Sales Manager, Telenor IOT
• Acquire a deeper insight into the value of global sourcing diversification to reduce reliance on a single supplier or region, particularly for semiconductors and EV batteries.
• Overcome supply chain adversity through implementing flexibility solutions such as Digital twins and Giga-casting to protect profit margins despite market volatility.• See how connected factory data and predictive analytics deliver SKU level transparency, drive cost savings, tighten QC, prevent excess inventory, and identify root cause defects faster. Moderator: Luberto Van Buiten, Nexus Communication
Tobias Moch, Chief Procurement Officer, JLR
• Connecting the dots between new in-car technologies and evolving revenue streams
• Identifying the opportunities new technologies and financing models unlock for OEMs and retailers
• Dissecting how OEMs need to balance profitability with compliance and consumer trust
• Looking ahead at the next areas of investment
Moderator: Berveleen Mashonga – Head of Global Strategy & Marketing, Allnex
Martin Kristensson, Head of Product Strategy, Volvo Cars
Dominique Massonie, Head of Software Internalisation, NIO
Paul Humphreys, Managing Director – Retail, Cox Automotive Europe
Sponsored by – Cox Automotive
• Apply AI-powered predictive maintenance and automation to reduce unplanned stops, boost throughput, and stabilize delivery.
• Secure insights into end-to-end control using digital twins and. Improve quality in real time, and orchestrate smarter, faster line changes.
• Build the ROI case for Industry 4.0, prioritise high-impact pilots, and replicate results globally for sustainable efficiency and resilience.
Dirk Voeste, Chief Sustainability Officer, Volkswagen Group
• Extend the customer relationship and monetize vehicle lifecycle value through AI-enabled OTA updates, subscription services, and data-driven offerings that generate recurring income
• Strengthen global scalability by deploying unified software architectures that adapt to regional compliance requirements without fragmenting your technology stack
• Accelerate time-to-market for new features and services by leveraging AI-driven development frameworks that respond to evolving customer demands
Moderator: Paul Bennett, Managing Partner, Maddox Square
Frédéric Vincent, Chief Information Officer, Renault
Yuri Rodrigues, SVP Head of Quality, Stellantis
Mirjam Abel, SVP Digital Experience/Business, AUDI AG
• Understanding new standard of competition in providing the best services.
• Learn from real cases studies about how to enhance UX through continuous, iterative improvements over the lifecycle of the vehicle avoid the same pitfalls.
• Explore how can personalised services continue to produce commercial value post sale?
Wolfgang Bremer - Design Executive at Fortune 500s and Global Startups
Christoph Muescher-Maibaum, Connected Car & Mobility Software - Product & Strategy, Mercedes-Benz AG
• Use case studies to decarbonise production, stay ahead of regulation, and cut emissions and costs through circularity processes.
• Transform EVs into grid assets with V2G and smart charging to lower energy spend stabilising demand and monetising flexibility.
• Signal leadership by partnering across your eco conscious value chain to win sustainable customers, attract green investment, and strengthen your licence to operate.
Tania Khasal, Chief Governance Cyber Security Engineer, Volkswagen Group
