Addressing the more than 220 delegates present, the FIA President said that in a rapidly-evolving mobility environment Clubs must tackle three main issues to ensure future relevance to members and society – safety, sustainability, and increasing levels of smart motoring.

Speaking of safety, he reminded delegates of the priority the FIA and he personally, has given to the pandemic of injuries and fatalities on the world’s roads, and said that the campaign to reduce the tragic loss of life would remain a “central part of our mission”.

Regarding the development of effective strategies to tackle issues of sustainability and increased digitisation, he said: “I am pleased to announce that yesterday, the World Council for Automobile Mobility and Tourism endorsed this approach and agreed to the establishment of two new Commissions – the FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission, as well as the FIA Environment and Sustainability Commission.”

The President then moved onto the third challenge facing Clubs – smart mobility. “I am convinced that automation is a path which needs to be prepared, guided, and managed,” he said. “The FIA and its Member Clubs should keep encouraging the testing of automated vehicles on public roads to get feedback. This is the only way to improve technology, create user acceptance and learn how automated vehicles will successfully and safely interact with all road users.”

The FIA President then thanked the President of host Club the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), Takayoshi Yashiro. He commended the Club on its success in the services sphere, with JAF enjoying membership numbers in excess of 18 million, and also its commitment to social responsibility, which he said all Clubs could learn from.

JAF President Yashiro, meanwhile, welcomed delegates to Tokyo, and went on to outline how the Japanese organisation has maintained its relevance by targeting new routes to growing membership, such as establishing partnerships with auto manufacturers, and dealerships and insurance companies.

FIA Deputy President for Automobile Mobility and Tourism, Brian Gibbons, said that this year’s event has been aimed specifically at giving a platform to Clubs. “We understand that you have all come to the Far East – some of you travelling a long way – to answer some of the questions your Clubs have been facing or will be facing soon” he concluded. “It is therefore our mission to ensure you leave with valuable content that will help you confront these challenges.”