Mobility

VdA is well aware of the opportunities and challenges of the road mobility sector in Europe, including those arising from autonomous, connected and electric road mobility – notably the new provisions for type-approval for new technologies or new concepts, the Guidelines for the exemption procedure for automated vehicles, the new proposals for type-approval to reflect technological advancement, as well as the provision on road infrastructures. VdA is closely accompanying the discussions, both at EU groups and initiatives, as well as at UNECE, that aim at reflecting the impacts of technology in such areas such as roadworthiness tests and inspections, driving licenses, among others. VdA is also knowledgeable on issues relating to e-Call and C-ITS, as well on insurance and liability. VdA is also aware of the approach many European countries are taking on autonomous and connected vehicles, including with relation to their testing, notably for level 4 and 5 autonomous vehicles.

In addition, VdA has detailed know-how on the challenges brought by autonomous and connected vehicles when it comes to telecoms, data (personal and non-personal) and cybersecurity, including the most recent UNECE Regulations for cybersecurity and software updates, the proposed new EU approaches to cybersecurity and critical entities, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) Guidelines on Data Protection and Connected Vehicles, and the ENISA good practices on smart cars.

VdA also has know-how on the technological opportunities and challenges for the rail sector, notably the ones arising from the EU 4th Railway Package, which entered in force in June 2020, and which brings new rules for security and telematic applications. The rail sector is becoming increasingly relevant, and it is expected that 75% of the transportation of goods by road to be replaced by rail and waterways in Europe, with 2021 being considered the year of the rail.

VdA has relevant experience in advising Governments on the setup of legal frameworks for testing new technologies in mobility, including for electric mobility. VdA also advises companies in the development, testing and commercialisation of mobility technologies, including automated and electric technologies, taking into consideration not only the applicable regulatory framework, but also other relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, including, for instance, on telecoms, data economy, cybersecurity and critical infrastructures, Intellectual Property, import/export, tax, environment, software licenses, hardware supply, consumer protection, among others.

Autonomous, connected and electric mobility, both in road and rail, can bring vast benefits for African countries, responding to climate change challenges and ensuring improved safety, which is one of the main goals of the African Union as reflected in the African Road Safety Charter and the African Action Plan for the Global Road Safety. They play, as a result, a relevant role for African development in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa 2020-2030 further expressly mentions the role of digital platforms for transportation, as well as the role of new technologies (digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things, 3D printing, among others) in society, notably the role of connected devices in transportation. Development of interconnected and integrated networks of transport infrastructure is also a central topic, with the AU Agenda 2063 including, as flagship projects, the development of Transport Corridors (with the Intergovernmental Agreement on Trans-African Highway Norms and Standards establishing a set of goals in this respect), as well as the launching of the High-Speed Train Project and strengthening of regional railway training institutions. The African Continent Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is also set to have a strong impact on cross-country mobility.

What is more, emerging transportation technologies play a central role in responding to societal challenges, including for seniors, people with disabilities and people living in remote areas. The development of a National System of Innovation to address the pressing barriers to capabilities of humans to advance digital innovation, including when it comes to transport, it also one of the goals of the African Union.

VdA has relevant experience in advising Governments on the setup of legal frameworks for testing new technologies in mobility, including for infrastructures. VdA also advises companies in the development, testing and commercialisation of mobility technologies, including automated and electric technologies, taking into consideration not only the applicable regulatory framework, but also other relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, including, for instance, on telecoms, data economy, cybersecurity and critical infrastructures, Intellectual Property, import/export, tax, environment, software licenses, hardware supply, consumer protection, among others.