In a forward-looking keynote session at MOVE America 2024, experts from Ford, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Keolis, the USDOT, and North Carolina’s Department of Transportation gathered to discuss the shifting landscape of mobility. As the industry pivots toward electrification, automation, and sustainability, these key players shared their strategies and perspectives on how the future of transportation will unfold.
Jennifer Brace, Chief Futurist at Ford Motor Company, emphasized the importance of preparing for the future, rather than attempting to predict it. “People need to keep moving, and our job is to make that easier,” she said. While acknowledging the advancements in autonomous vehicles, Ford remains committed to supporting its customers on their journey toward electrification. However, Brace was clear that not everyone is ready for electric vehicles, and there is still work to be done in bridging that gap.
At the USDOT, Chief Financial Officer Victoria Wassmer highlighted the exciting advances in safety technologies. She also pointed out the critical role transportation plays in addressing the climate crisis, particularly advocating for increased investment in rail infrastructure.
Aravind Kailas, Advanced Technology Policy Director at Volvo Group North America, underscored the need for a multi-faceted approach to zero-emissions mobility. While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are a significant part of the solution, hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines (ICEs) will remain essential for heavy-duty and long-haul applications. He stressed that electrifying smaller vehicles is easier, but for larger ones, the process is more complex, and public-private collaboration will be key. Kailas also noted that one of the biggest obstacles to widespread adoption of electric trucks is the lack of readiness in charging infrastructure.
From a mass transit perspective, Keolis is optimistic about the role public transportation will play in reducing carbon emissions. The company believes that continued investment and innovation in mass transit will be crucial to its success as mobility evolves.
Julie White, Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation at North Carolina DoT, sees intercity rail as the “sweet spot” for the future of mobility. The state is focused on resilience planning and infrastructure development to support electrification efforts.
Philipp Skogstad, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors to accelerate progress. “How quickly we get there depends on how well we work together and meet customer needs,” he stated.
Looking ahead, predictions for the future of mobility include a variety of zero-emissions solutions, highly automated systems (Volvo), reduced friction in transportation and resilience planning (North Carolina), and giving consumers more options for their transportation needs (Ford). Keolis envisions a future where private car use becomes a choice rather than a necessity for most Americans.
The consensus is clear: the future of mobility requires an all-hands-on-deck approach, from government agencies to private companies. As electrification and automation continue to advance, industry leaders are focused on making transportation safer, more sustainable, and more accessible for all.
Panel – “Future mobility trends” with Ford, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Keolis, USDOT & North Carolina DoT
- Jennifer Brace, Chief Futurist, Ford Motor Company
- Aravind Kailas, Advanced Technology Policy Director, Volvo Group North America
- Phillipp Skogstad, President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America
- Victoria Wassmer, CFO, USDOT
- Julie White, Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation, North Carolina DoT
- Moderator: Kris Van Cleave, CBS
