Mobility

As part of this once-in-a-lifetime transition, Volkswagen is investing billions of euros in new powertrain and battery technologies.

Known around the world as a nation of bicycle-lovers, the Netherlands is also emerging as a global pioneer in the transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs).

"In our Martorell factory we are already using innovations such as smart glasses, virtual reality and autonomous, collaborative robots."

As the epicenter of the technology revolution moves away from personal computing and smartphones and toward transport, energy and urban living, a new breed of industry leader is shaping the agenda for the future.

Mattias Ekström opens the doors of the ABT CUPRA XE team paddock, where nothing goes unused. Teams of eight people and no public audience, some of the keys to reducing the environmental impact. The philosophy of the Extreme E Series is to highlight the importance of achieving a more sustainable world.

Fedra Ribeiro was developing advanced digital technologies at one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers when out of the blue she got a phone call from one of the biggest names in the industry -- Luca de Meo, CEO of French carmaker Renault Group. On a mission to accelerate the company’s progress in innovative areas like ride-sharing and electric charging, de Meo wanted Ribeiro to be part of the team delivering his vision.

At a time of dramatic changes to global car manufacturing, Spanish carmaker SEAT SA has appointed as head of its finance and IT activities an industry veteran with a depth of experience in transforming companies.

Luca de Meo was named head of SEAT last November and now aims to transform the Barcelona-based manufacturer into a front-runner in connectivity.

Today a vehicle that is equipped with a gas engine may cost more, but when taking into account fuel consumption and the price of fuel, the total cost of ownership is lower. The environmental improvements are significant. Gas trucks are allowed into low emission zones where diesel vehicles are not permitted.

With a projected cost of around $11 billion, the Rio 2016 Olympics looks like a relative bargain compared to the price tag for the Sochi 2014 Winter Games, which topped $50 billion.