A 400-strong audience attended the Palais des Congrès et la Culture in Le Mans to hear a number of speakers heavily involved in the development of new mobility solutions. The panel included  Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, who emphasised the organisation’s innovative approach to motor vehicle development since the Club’s inception. “The Le Mans 24 Hours was created to provide manufacturers with an opportunity to test their machines. Over the years, the race has been the testing ground for many developments on motor cars, and for road surfacing and signage too. Today, we are actively involved in new forms of mobility and new technologies. For example, a fuel cell-powered LMP3 running on hydrogen may well occupy Garage 56 next year. And in 2019, Le Mans should also see an electric car with sufficient battery range to complete a stint. As for driverless vehicles, we are for the time being looking into their feasibility as safety cars.”

The 24 Hours circuit and the French Tech-accredited city of Le Mans intend to draw on their ecosystem to become the benchmark in new mobility solutions.