Media Advisory: Automotive Intelligence Series: Driving into the Age of Autonomy

TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2018 /CNW/ - The fourth Automotive Intelligence Series panel discussion – 'Driving into the Age of Autonomy' – will take place at the Canadian International AutoShow on Tues., Feb. 20.

If you're interested in attending go here to pre-register.

WHEN:	February 20, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. Automotive Intelligence Series: Driving into the Age of Autonomy
WHERE:	Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, Room 801
WHAT:	Can you imagine a world in which automobiles drive themselves? Well, that is certainly something that is forecasted in the future, although the timeline is mere speculation because there are various levels that need to be reached before automobiles can truly drive themselves without any human assistance. There is a belief that the first wave of vehicles in this new era of automation will happen in the next few years and will be something representing partial automation and conditional automation. Automobile manufacturers are spending hundreds of millions of dollars in research and development, either on their own or in partnerships with technology companies, developing systems to become the first in line to deliver autonomous cars. Governments are also investing heavily in autonomous vehicle research. The Province of Ontario announced in 2017 an allocation of $80 million for an Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network and designated Stratford as the hub of it. It all makes for an interesting discussion, something that seemed so futuristic years ago but is now moving toward the present.

PARTICIPANTS:

Jacob Black, Senior Editor, autoTRADER.ca - Moderator
Jacob Black is a multiple award-winning journalist who has been the senior editor at autoTRADER.ca for almost five years, responsible for creating and overseeing every aspect of the Canadian auto industry. He is also the former online editor at SPEED TV in Australia. He has co-authored four books on Australian motor racing.

Dan Mathieson, Mayor of Stratford
Dan Mathieson is in his fourth term as Mayor of Stratford and has sat on municipal council since 1995. He is currently Chair of the Ontario Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), Past Chair of Kings University College at Western University, Chair of the Stratford Police Services Board, a member of the Board of Directors of Festival Hydro, Rhyzome Networks and the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.

Dennis DesRosiers, President, DesRosiers Automotive Consultants
Dennis DesRosiers is president of DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, which he started in 1985. He is considered one of the leading experts and analysts in the North America automotive industry. In 2012 he was awarded The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for his contribution to the automotive sector in Canada.

Ross McKenzie, Managing Director, University of Waterloo Centre for Automotive Research
Ross McKenzie is the Managing Director for the University of Waterloo Centre for Automotive Research (WATCAR), which conducts advanced research to further automotive innovation and competitiveness. Ross is responsible for facilitating collaborative research between industry partners and faculty. Ross is on the board of ITS Canada and chairs Electric Mobility Canada's annual student competition. In 2016 he addressed the G7 Transport Ministers in Japan, summarizing Canada's activities and initiatives in connected and autonomous vehicles. In 2017 Ross was presented with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation Partnership Award, recognizing significant contribution to road safety.

Chris Candy, Vice President of Business Development, SevenMedia
Chris Candy is Vice-President of Business Development for Toronto-based SevenMedia, which is focused on Augmented Reality. SevenMedia works with global brands, agencies and corporations by identifying ways AR can help meet their marketing and corporate strategic goals. Car manufacturers are using AR technology to enhance the driving experience.

Ted Graham, Head of Open Innovation, General Motors
Ted Graham is the Head of Open Innovation at General Motors where he helps identify partnerships that will help build new forms of mobility, including autonomous and connected vehicles. He is also the former Innovation leader at PWC and a McKinsey strategy consultant with a focus on understanding and leveraging people networks to influence the spread of ideas.

The Canadian International AutoShow is being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre between February 16^th and 25^th. Please visit autoshow.ca for more information. Follow us on Instagram @cdnintlautoshow, Like us on Facebook and join the conversation on Twitter @autoshowcanada with the hashtag #CIAS2018.

About the Canadian International AutoShow
With more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the Canadian International AutoShow is not only the largest automotive expo in Canada, it is also the country's largest consumer show — a leader in lifestyle, technology and all things automotive boasting more than 1,000 cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, fully electric and autonomous vehicles. Nearly 340,000 attended the 2017 show.

SOURCE Canadian International AutoShow

Norris McDonald, Director, Media Relations, Canadian International AutoShow, 647-328-9285, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.autoshow.ca