Future Mobility Forum: Drive Ideas, Shape Tomorrow

The event brought together 20 students from VIVES University College, studying Automotive Technology, Automotive Management, and Maintenance Technology, for an inspiring afternoon of dialogue, creativity, and co-creation.

Exploring Ideas and Shaping Perspectives

The workshop, held at Sparks in Brussels, kicked off with a lively statement game where students explored their opinions on mobility and the automotive industry in a fun, interactive way. From “Electric driving is the future of mobility” to “The automotive sector is attractive for young people”. Students moved around the room to express agreement or disagreement, immediately revealing diverse perspectives and sparking debate.

Afterwards, the students guided a series of playful activities designed to further uncover their’ perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge about the industry. These exercises encouraged reflection, curiosity, and critical thinking in a relaxed and creative atmosphere.

Next, the group had an open and creative exercise where students could literally put their thoughts on the wall. Equipped with markers and plenty of space to write, they shared their honest opinions about both the automotive industry and mobility today: what they find exciting, what feels outdated, and what they would like to see change.

The room quickly filled with bold ideas, keywords, and sketches. The output revealed a clear message: while students recognise the importance of innovationmany questioned whether currentsolutions are truly sustainable or just temporary fixes. They emphasised the need for greater efficiency, smarter mobility systems, and a more holistic approach to sustainability, one that balances environmental impact with practicality and accessibility.

Coffee and Career: Inspiring Conversations with Industry Experts

One of the most engaging moments of the afternoon was the Coffee & Career session, where students had the unique opportunity to connect directly with six ACEA experts representing different parts of the automotive world. After a short introduction round where each expert shared their background, role, and passion for the industry the floor was opened for questions.

What followed was an energising and authentic dialogue. The students impressed everyone in the room with their clever, well-thought-out questions and genuine curiosity. They wanted to know everything from how the industry is tackling sustainability and digital transformation, to what skills are most in demand for the jobs of tomorrow.

The conversation flowed so naturally that it could have continued for hours. Experts appreciated the students’ critical mindset and fresh perspectives, while students were excited to get first-hand insights from people shaping the industry’s future. The atmosphere was open, inspiring, and filled with mutual respect, a true exchange between generations about the future of mobility and work.

“The green and digital transition is reshaping not only vehicles but also the skills driving the automotive industry. That’s why we were delighted to work with JA Europe and meet these students. They didn’t just imagine the future, they felt it, shaping bold ideas born from creativity and curiosity. This ACEA Lab session tackled one of the industry’s biggest questions, and we were inspired by students who came ready to challenge, envision, and redefine the future of mobility and automotive careers.” - Andreas Klugescheid, Chief Strategic Foresight & Engagement Officer.

Co-Creation: Designing the Automotive Industry of Tomorrow

Following the Coffee & Career session, students moved into the Co-Creation Lab, where they were challenged to imagine themselves as CEOs of a car company in 2035. The goal? To design a vision for a future-proof, youth-friendly automotive industry.

The results were both bold and insightful. Students proposed ideas such as:

• Highways that charge your car while you drive, reducing the need for long charging stops.
• Battery swap stations at which you can quickly exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one and continue your journey.
• Maintaining the strengths of cars instead of fully digitalising them with screens. Keeping what drivers love while still evolving toward smarter, greener mobility.

It was immediately clear that students are thinking critically and holistically about the future of the industry. While they welcomed innovation, their focus remained on efficiency, sustainability, and meaningful impact. Their visions were not only imaginative but also grounded in practical solutions that reflect their generation’s values.

The energy in the room was palpable: discussions were lively, ideas were exchanged freely, and creativity flowed without limits. 

Dialogue with Industry Experts

In the final session, students presented their “Future Briefs” to ACEA representatives and engaged in an open dialogue about their ideas. The experts responded enthusiastically, praising the creativity and passion the students showed. The discussion revealed valuable insights. For example, that young people are not turning away from cars, but are looking for meaningful innovation, sustainability, and authentic communication from brands.

A Lasting Impact

The Future Mobility Forum proved to be more than just a workshop. It was a genuine exchange between generations. Students left feeling heard and inspired, having gained a clearer view of how their skills and values align with the industry’s future. For ACEA and its members, the event provided direct, unfiltered insights into the expectations, hopes, and concerns of tomorrow’s professionals.

“As JA Europe, we believe that empowering young people to share their ideas and challenge today’s norms is key to driving real progress in the mobility sector. The Future of Mobility Forum is a powerful example of how collaboration between industry and youth can spark fresh thinking and inspire the next generation to see themselves as innovators and leaders. When students’ voices are heard and valued, we not only shape a more sustainable future for mobility, but also help young people build the confidence and skills they need to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce.” – Diana Filip, Deputy CEO & Chief Development Officer, JA Europe

By creating space for dialogue, imagination, and co-creation, the Future Mobility Forum successfully bridged the gap between education and industry, showing that the road to a sustainable and innovative mobility future starts with listening to the voices of youth.