Key Trends and Innovations in Automotive Technology Explored at the 7th Annual Future of Transportation and Mobility Series

OSHAWA, ON – November 8, 2024 – Yesterday, the seventh annual Future of Transportation and Mobility Series (FTMS) brought together global leaders in electrified, connected and autonomous technology to explore Ontario’s growing automotive innovation sector. Co-hosted by the Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility (CITM) and Durham Regional Technology Development Site (Durham RTDS), and supported by Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) this year’s theme, “Build, Scale and Adopt Innovations in Automotive Technology,” focused on the advancements in transportation technologies that are shaping the future of mobility.

Attendees from across the globe joined the virtual conference to hear from organizations of the ecosystem such as Venture Ontario, Linamar Corporation, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA), Geotab, The Globe and Mail, General Motors Canada and Blackberry among others, as they examined Ontario’s position in leading the charge toward sustainable and connected transportation solutions.

The event featured keynotes from Dr. Ali Emadi, McMaster University Professor and Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureate, and Flavio Volpe, President of APMA. Participants also witnessed several discussion panels exploring the latest advancements and ongoing trends in the sector such as artificial intelligence’s role in transportation, the continued growth of electrification, and whether small-scale innovators are reaping the benefits of these advancements. 

“As the world embraces the transition from ICE to EV, it is imperative to bring all stakeholders of the automotive industry together to engage in conversation about the opportunities and the challenges,” said Sherry Colbourne, President and CEO, Spark Centre. “FTMS provides an opportunity for provincial stakeholders to explore current-year advancements and examine new directions for the coming year. Spark Centre and its Durham RTDS partners Durham College and Ontario Tech U are thrilled to be part of the team that brings this conversation to the table, and with our friends at CITM, we are committed to advancing smart technology solutions in Ontario.”

“In just four years, Ontario has secured $45 billion in automotive investments from global automakers and suppliers of EV batteries and battery materials. Our government is proud to nurture homegrown talent and support the best of Ontario innovation as we work together to build a fully integrated, end-to-end EV supply chain in Ontario,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Events like FTMS play a key role in exploring the trends and solutions that will propel Ontario’s automotive industry into the future.”

As a premier event for leaders in transportation, FTMS continues to boost collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strategic connections that aim to accelerate Ontario’s automotive industry and prepare it for the future.

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