Record attendance for connected and automated mobility event

An industry event focusing on connected mobility and autonomous vehicles has seen record attendance with a 9% increase on 2018 numbers.

More than 4,700 delegates arrived at Millbrook Proving Grounds in Bedfordshire for the Cenex Low-Carbon Vehicle and Connected Automated Mobility events.

Both events are seen as a key date in the calendar for industry professionals to exchange ideas, demonstrate new innovations and discuss the challenges facing the low-carbon and autonomous vehicle industry.

At the event the Rt Hon George Freeman, Minister of State for Transport announced the “CAV Pass” - a new safety regime for self-driving vehicles that aims to prevent any defects in driverless cars and offer protection from cyber attacks.

In addition, Millbrook – the owners of Millbrook Proving Grounds and home to a range of testing facilities – officially opened its new Autonomous Village and battery testing facility.

The Autonomous Village includes six purpose-built workshops designed to support “mechanical, integration and software development for self-driving vehicles, from passenger cars to buses”. The battery testing facility will allow Millbrook to put new and existing battery technology through its paces by examining them in different temperate conditions as well as simulating their real-world use.

Speaking at LCV2019, Minister of State for the Future of Transport, George Freeman, said: “Self-driving vehicles can offer significant rewards for the UK ’s economy, road safety and accessibility. We are determined to lead in the testing and development of safe autonomous transport.

“This is new terrain, and with our national expertise the UK is well-placed to blaze the trail globally by developing a global benchmark for assuring the safety and security of this exciting technology.”

Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex said: “2019 has been a big year for us with the launch of our very first Cenex-Connected Automated Mobility Event at our annual Cenex-LCV Show; and our exhibitors, speakers and visitors didn’t disappoint.

“What we saw over the two days was cutting edge innovations and technologies, agenda setting from government and industry leaders as well as the capabilities and desire to realise both the road to zero for LCV and Connected Automated Mobility on UK roads in the coming years.  2019 was a record in terms of attendance and we look forward to seeing what 2020 brings.”