The Echoes Connected Conference 2025 in Paris
Paris, December 2024 – On 16 January 2025, Paris became the centre of connected mobility: the first Echoes Connected Conference (EC²) brought together more than 250 leading minds from the automotive industry and fleet management. With the participation of well-known OEMs such as ‘Ford Pro’, ‘Renault-Mobilize’, ‘Mercedes Connectivity’ and ‘Kia’, the conference presented itself as a signpost for the future of fleet telematics.
In three thematically focused sessions, participants experienced how vehicle data, artificial intelligence and innovative security solutions are revolutionising fleet management. From the optimisation of fleet efficiency to AI-supported analysis tools and sustainable mobility solutions – EC² offered a unique platform for the exchange of expertise and forward-looking solutions.
Safety as the foundation of connected mobility
The EC² kicked off with a focus on fleet safety – a topic that is becoming increasingly important in the face of growing connectivity. Jérôme Germain from Ford Pro and Egons Silenieks from SIXT Baltics gave an impressive demonstration of how the synergy of OEM expertise and innovative data solutions from Echoes forms the basis for secure and efficient fleet management.
The experience report by Benjamin Pasquet, who used the example of FlexiFleet to show how modern security and monitoring systems are revolutionising risk management in vehicle rental, was particularly informative. The subsequent presentation of the in-house recovery service by Aimé Conti and Martin van Hunen from ECHOES / Moving Intelligence underpinned the effectiveness of data-supported security solutions with impressive practical examples.
Partnership between Volkswagen and Echoes
A further highlight of the morning session was the presentation of the strategic partnership between Volkswagen Group Info Services AG and Echoes. Patricia Stich and Mathieu Chènebit presented how the combination of vehicle data and intelligent safety systems not only optimises fleet efficiency, but also sets new standards in preventive safety.
Smart strategies for cost savings
After the intensive focus on safety in the morning session, attention turned to efficiency and cost optimisation in the afternoon – topics that are just as crucial for fleet operators. Building on the morning’s findings, the experts showed how vehicle data not only ensures safety, but also forms the basis for smarter and more economical decisions.
Julien Metayer from the Arval BNP Paribas Group demonstrated how leasing companies can achieve two goals at once by integrating real-time data: optimised customer service and a clear contribution to achieving sustainability goals. His examples made it clear that connected vehicle data is key to successfully mastering both operational and strategic requirements.
Potential of digital keys
Sebastien Albertus from the Europcar Mobility Group presented practical approaches to reducing operating costs, as did representatives from offUgo and Tibco. Following this, a panel of leading representatives from Renault – Mobilize, Europcar and other companies emphasised the importance of new technologies such as digital keys. The discussion showed how such innovations not only facilitate day-to-day operations, but can also enable significant cost savings.The real-life use cases presented by the experts were particularly impressive – from optimised maintenance cycles to leaner vehicle management processes.
Shaping the future - sustainability through data and innovation
The afternoon session ended with a look into the future, and this is exactly where the evening session started. While the afternoon focussed on efficiency and cost savings, the evening was all about the bigger goals: Sustainability and the transition to zero-emission mobility.
Fabien Carimalo from WeNow and Tom Pomeroy from LightFoot guided the participants through the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition. They showed how connected vehicle data is helping to master the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles and presented solutions for meeting regulatory requirements without jeopardising operational efficiency.
Data as a driver of the mobility revolution
Later, Dimitrios Merkouris (Volvo) and Echoes demonstrated how technological innovations can have a lasting impact on the industry. Their presentation made it clear that data is not just a tool, but the driving force behind the transformation of the mobility industry. Together with Volvo, they showed how strategic partnerships are helping to shape a more sustainable future.
Networking and event highlights
In addition to the exciting sessions, the Echoes Connected Conference offered numerous opportunities for networking and interactive discussions. Participants from all over Europe used the platform to exchange ideas, make contacts and discover new business opportunities.
The networking breaks made it possible to deepen discussions from the presentations and discuss specific challenges facing the industry. The spontaneous discussions between OEMs; leasing and rental providers and fleet managers in particular proved to be a catalyst for new collaborations.
Innovations and insights for the future
The Echoes Connected Conference impressively demonstrated how vehicle data can revolutionise the automotive and fleet management industry. As a result, all participants took away valuable insights, from innovative safety solutions and AI-supported efficiency improvements to sustainable mobility strategies.
The conference also highlighted three key trends that will characterise the year 2025:
- Technology as a driver of innovation: AI, OEM data and digital keys will create measurable added value in fleet management.
- Data-based sustainability: vehicle data will become the key to successfully implementing the energy transition.
- Collaborative innovation: cross-industry partnerships accelerate technological progress.
The event not only offered informative insights, but also created a platform on which leading experts can jointly shape the future of mobility.