The 11th edition of Michelin Challenge Bibendum was recently concluded in Berlin, held from May 18 to 22. Promoting the overall theme of cleaner, safer, more connected mobility, the event was yet another example of Michelin Group’s commitment to sustainable and safer road mobility. The purpose of the Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2011 is to bring together a broad array of stakeholders – from car lovers to decision makers – while also involving the general public, with the goal of making the sustainable mobility of the future more widely accessible.
Flagged off by Michel Rollier, Managing General Partner, Michelin Group, the 5-day event was dedicated to the recently signed Global Road Safety Commitment by Michelin to support the Decade of Action for Road Safety, 2011-2020, which is actively promoted by the United Nations.
Speaking on the occasion Michel Rollier, Managing Partner of the Michelin Group said, “The spirit that guides the Michelin Challenge Bibendum is to show that the automobile’s capacity for improvement is alive and well and that road transport has a bright future serving society’s needs. We can and must reduce the gap between the scope of the challenges we face – which include energy, environmental and safety issues, as well as universal access to efficient mobility solutions – and the slow pace of decision-making processes around the world. Innovation and its organized deployment require close coordination between the public and private sectors. Let’s look to the future without fear, keeping a totally open mind with regard to all both local and global solutions. What’s truly important is not to put off making the tough choices required for everyone’s well-being. We’re counting on the experts’ discussions and the events in Berlin to help us take an additional step toward ensuring sustainable road mobility that is cleaner, safer and connected.”
Michelin Challenge Bibendum is the global summit for sustainable mobility. It’s the world’s only event that brings together car and truck makers, academics, equipment manufacturers, energy suppliers, research institutes, public authorities and nongovernmental organizations to forge a shared vision of tomorrow’s safer, cleaner transportation.
Speaking at the event, Prashant Prabhu, President, Michelin Group AIM (Asia, India and the Middle East region), said “Highlighting the theme of Safer,Cleaner, and Connected, the 11th edition of Challenge Bibendum has been able to bring together like-minded individuals who are concerned about sustainable mobility. Michelin Challenge Bibendum is charting the way towards mobility that is more fuel-efficient, cleaner, and safer. He also added, “In a country like India, which is growing rapidly, the issues of climate change, energy security, local pollution, road safety and urban congestion are critical considerations for sustainable growth. By tapping global experiences and best practices, India has an opportunity to progress more rapidly by leapfrogging technologies, allowing the country to design and adopt a mobility plan best suited to its needs. To drive a radical shift to new technologies and new ways of looking at mobility, a real spirit of change is required. It is often best exemplified in emerging economies and India is no exception to the same.”
Commenting on Michelin’s plan for growth in India, Mr. Prabhu said, “Michelin is committed to strengthening its presence in India as it augments Michelin’s capability to cater to the huge customer base in the country with its world-class, best engineered quality products.”
