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Drive Forward 2025

The European Conference on Innovations in Automotive Mobility

April 8 – 9 2025

Automotive Campus Helmond | Brainport Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Program

Drive Forward, formerly known as Automotive Week, is a (inter)national multi-day conference focused on innovations in automotive mobility.

Taking place from April 8th to 9th, 2025, at the Automotive Campus Helmond in the heart of Brainport Eindhoven, this biennial event showcases cutting-edge advancements that ensure Europe’s leadership in the automotive industry.

Join European visionaries, industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers for a unique opportunity to explore the future of mobility through:

  • Presentations by top international experts.

  • Interactive panels on critical topics.

  • Deep dives into the latest developments and trends.

  • Live demonstrations showcasing innovation in action.

 

Together, we’ll shape a smarter, safer, and more sustainable automotive future.

 

1.000+

visitors

30+

exhibitors*

14

live demonstrations

Focus areas 

Drive Forward 2025 centers on two transformative themes:

  1. Decarbonization: 
    Exploring electrification, hydrogen solutions, shared mobility, and renewable energy.

  2. Digitalization:
    Diving into connected vehicles, autonomous driving, ICT integration, digital services and policy.

 

Key topics include:

  • Digitalization & Autonomous Driving

  • Electrification & Hydrogen

  • Charging Infrastructure

  • Logistics, ICT, and Applications

  • Policies and EU regulations

See the whole program here

The Future of the European Automotive Industry

A significant component of the event will delve into strategies to ensure the automotive sector remains competitive on a global scale. Discussions will explore how emerging technologies, such as AI and automation, can revolutionize operations, while addressing climate imperatives through cleaner energy solutions.

The program will also emphasize fostering workforce adaptability and modernizing regulations to meet the industry’s evolving needs. Strengthening economic resilience and fostering innovation throughout the value chain will feature prominently, providing actionable insights for attendees.

The event brings together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including industry leaders, infrastructure experts, EU policy makers, and innovators from across the European automotive ecosystem.

What to expect?

Drive Forward 2025 is built on 10 principles shaping the program and guiding speaker and demo selection:

Contribution to the Mobility Transition and Livability of Cities

Promoting advancements that enhance urban living and mobility.

Smart, Safe, Sustainable Mobility

Emphasizing intelligent, secure, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.

Demo-Driven Programming and Applied Technology: See, feel, experience

Experience innovation through practical demonstrations.

Knowledge Development and Interaction

Expand your knowledge and interact with other professionals.

Systems Approach in Mobility

Applying systems engineering principles to enhance mobility solutions.

(Inter)national Profiling

Engaging an international audience and showcasing global perspectives.

Next Generation Focus - Talent

Highlighting and nurturing the next generation of mobility experts.

Networking Platform

Providing a robust platform for professionals to connect and collaborate.

Integrated Approach and Practical Character

Focusing on holistic, practical solutions to mobility challenges.

Why Drive Forward?

In a rapidly evolving world, addressing societal and environmental challenges is imperative. Drive Forward is committed to accelerating smart, safe, and sustainable mobility, while enhancing urban livability and fostering international collaborations.

Why You Should Attend:

  • Experience innovation: Immerse yourself in live demonstrations and real-world applications.

  • Build connections: Network with European leaders in automotive and mobility industries.

  • Shape the future: Contribute to meaningful discussions on Europe’s role in global mobility.

Location: Automotive Campus Helmond

 

Situated in the heart of Brainport Eindhoven, the Automotive Campus Helmond is a hub of research, innovation, and high-tech manufacturing. It’s the perfect setting to explore the latest advancements in mobility.

And on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the event start with the official opening of MARQ, the innovation and research center for smart mobility, located at the heart of the Automotive Campus in Helmond. MARQ is showcasing the expertise of TNO, and is a collaboration with the Province of North Brabant (Provincie Noord-Brabant), and the Municipality of Helmond (Gemeente Helmond). 

... and it will be the plenary location of Drive Forward 2025.

Read more about the opening of MARQ
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Interested? Stay tuned to Drive Forward!

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Join Us to Drive Automotive Mobility Forward

Be part of a thriving ecosystem. Share your innovations, challenges, and successes. Together, we’ll build on a future-proof, sustainable automotive industry in Europe.

Let’s Drive Forward Together!

Get your ticket here

On behalf of the steering committee,

Naomie Verstraeten & Emiel Kuijpers
Brainport Development

Albie van Buel & Bram Hendrix
RAI Automotive Industry NL

Cuno Groenewoud & Ingeborg Bosch
Convention Bureau Brainport Eindhoven

Hear it first

Do not miss any updates about Drive Forward.

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Become a partner!

Be part of Drive Forward? Find out about opportunities as an exhibitor and sponsor.

Partnerships

*based on the numbers of the last edition (Automotive Week 2023).

Interested? Stay tuned!