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Opening of the 47th International Vienna Motor Symposium:‘The automotive industry needs a robust, resilient technology portfolio’
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Updated: 1 day ago
International experts call for global dialogue and a versatile approach to technological development.
Leading figures in the worlds of science and technology are gathering in Vienna to discuss sustainable mobility solutions.
Vienna, 23 April 2026. – The President of the Austrian Society of Automotive Engineers (ÖVK), Professor Dr. Bernhard Geringer, today called for a neutral and comprehensive debate on propulsion technologies — one that takes into account energy availability and total greenhouse gas emissions - not just the drive system alone. The call came at the opening of the 47th International Vienna Motor Symposium (https://wiener-motorensymposium.at ) at the Vienna Hofburg. At this event – the most prestigious of its kind in Europe – around 100 speakers and 1,000 guests from more than 20 major ‘automotive nations’ – such as China, Germany, France, India, Italy, Japan, Korea and the USA – will discuss the latest developments in propulsion technologies across the spectrum of vehicle types, from cars and commercial vehicles to trains, ships and aircraft: “This year, for the first time, nearly 50 percent of the presentations are coming from manufacturers— OEMs,” says Geringer, who is equally pleased with the “widest range of topics to date” ever seen in submissions for presentations.
Landmark cooperation with China
The day before the Symposium’s official opening, a separate specialist event organized by the ÖVK in cooperation with the Chinese branch of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), China SAE, took place in Vienna under the title ‘Forum on Powertrain for Sustainable Mobility’.
China: Largest car market with “Roadmap 3.0”
Ruiping Wang, Senior Vice President of Geely Auto, traveled all the way from China. She provided insights into the Chinese market: “As the world’s largest automotive market, China’s automotive industry is at the forefront of large-scale electrification development. Whilst the rapid introduction of new energy vehicles continues, the sector is accelerating its transition towards AI-driven intelligence, supported by digitalization.”
The executive added: “China’s ‘Roadmap 3.0 for Energy-Saving and New Motor Vehicle Technologies’, published last year, defines the country’s future technological pathways in the field of new energy. The report examines the future directions of automotive technology in key areas such as highly efficient powertrains, batteries, electric motors, electronic control systems and artificial intelligence applications.”
Pischinger: Not a binary decision
Prof. Stefan Pischinger, Head of the Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems at RWTH Aachen University and Chair of the Supervisory Board at FEV, struck a similar note: “The debate on propulsion technologies is still too often framed as an ‘either-or’ choice. However, the reality of the global transformation is not a binary decision, but a complex interplay of regulation, market requirements, technological maturity and the speed of industrial implementation.” The implication for the industry is therefore clear: “We should not be talking about ‘the’ powertrain of the future, but about a robust, resilient technology portfolio.”
A culture of humility
Donghee Han, Executive Vice President of Hyundai Motor Company, travelled to Vienna from the Republic of Korea. He explained: “Hyundai’s journey in the field of powertrain technology is characterized not only by technological milestones, but also by a culture of humility. We are guided by the realization that we grow strongest when we learn from the world around us. Our founder’s challenge – ‘Have you even tried?’ – continues to inspire us in our pursuit of next-generation electric drive and range-extender technologies, as we shape a future-proof vision for mobility.”
Modular, scalable architecture
Niklas Klingenberg, member of the Executive Board of the TRATON Group – which comprises the four brands Scania, MAN, International Auto and Volkswagen Truck & Bus – spoke about the “future of the powertrain” in commercial vehicles: “The TRATON Modular System is being developed for the four brands of the TRATON GROUP under the TRATON Group R&D umbrella with 12,000 employees. It combines battery-electric, conventional, and alternative powertrains in a modular, scalable architecture, thereby leveraging technological synergies and consolidating development activities efficiently. At the same time, the system’s modularity means it can be adapted flexibly to respond to geopolitical and technological changes.”
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Further information: https://wiener-motorensymposium.at/en/ and https://oevk.at/en/
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