At the IAA, German car manufacturers appear unimpressed by the crises of recent years. Unlike the Chinese brands, which have learned from their mistakes and are back with renewed self-confidence.
By Christian Domke Seidel
Mobility is a fundamental part of our lives and influences how we move, work and communicate. It encompasses both physical movement and digital connectivity that enables us to transport information and goods efficiently. This text examines the meaning of mobility, its evolution over time and the sustainable and future-oriented approaches that shape our modern understanding of mobility. Read the latest news on mobility from the Table.Briefings editorial team here. What is mobility? Mobility refers to the ability of people, goods and information to move within geographical spaces. It encompasses all forms of movement, whether on foot, by bicycle, car, public transport or airplane. Mobility is a fundamental aspect of modern life and enables access to jobs, education, services and social activities. In addition to physical movement, digital mobility is also playing an increasingly important role, as technologies such as the internet and mobile devices make it possible to access information and communicate regardless of location. Mobility is also a key issue in urban planning, as efficient and sustainable mobility solutions help to reduce traffic congestion, minimize environmental pollution and improve quality of life. In an increasingly globalized world, mobility is gaining in importance as it promotes both economic and social connections and contributes to the networking of people and markets. Why is mobility important? Mobility is important because it enables access to jobs, education, healthcare and social activities, which is crucial for individual freedom and quality of life. It promotes economic growth by facilitating the transportation of goods and services and connecting markets. Mobility also contributes to social integration by connecting people from different regions and backgrounds. In a globalized world, it supports international cooperation and cultural exchange. Efficient and sustainable mobility is also essential for reducing environmental pollution and creating liveable cities. Mobility in the past and today – a comparison Mobility has changed considerably over the course of time. In the past, mobility was severely restricted and usually limited to short distances. People mainly moved around on foot, with animals such as horses or with simple means of transportation such as carriages. Travel was time-consuming and often arduous, and longer distances were rarely covered. Trade was limited to local markets and long-distance travel was reserved for a few, such as traders, pilgrims or explorers. The industrial revolution in the 19th century ushered in a new era of mobility. The invention of the steam locomotive and the steamship made faster and longer journeys possible for the first time. Later, the automobile and the airplane further revolutionized mobility by making individual and global travel possible. These developments led to an increasingly interconnected world in which distances could be covered quickly. Today, mobility is largely global and technologically advanced. Modern means of transportation such as cars, trains and planes are faster, safer and more comfortable. Digitalization has also transformed mobility by enabling location-independent communication and access to information. Electric and autonomous vehicles, as well as sustainable mobility concepts, are shaping the future and aim to make mobility more environmentally friendly and efficient. Mobility is now an integral part of daily life and the global economy. What is sustainable mobility? Sustainable mobility aims to make the transportation of people and goods environmentally friendly, efficient and socially equitable. It focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing energy consumption and promoting environmentally friendly means of transport. This includes the increased use of public transportation, bicycles and electromobility as well as the promotion of car sharing and other forms of shared mobility. Sustainable mobility also takes into account the design of liveable cities through the expansion of pedestrian zones, safe cycle paths and the greening of traffic areas. The aim is to reduce car traffic and ensure access to mobility for all population groups. Innovative technologies such as autonomous vehicles and intelligent transport systems also increase efficiency and reduce traffic congestion. Overall, sustainable mobility helps to reduce environmental pollution, improve the quality of life in cities and promote socially inclusive mobility. What is the mobility of the future? The mobility of the future will be characterized by technological innovations, sustainability and new mobility concepts. Autonomous vehicles will play a central role, as they will revolutionize the way we get around. Electromobility will continue to grow as governments and companies around the world focus on switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Electric batteries and alternative powertrains such as hydrogen will be increasingly used to minimize CO₂ emissions and reduce environmental impact. Smart cities and intelligent transportation systems will make mobility more efficient. With the help of real-time data, connected vehicles and intelligent traffic light systems, traffic can be managed more smoothly and with lower emissions. This will lead to the seamless integration of different modes of transport, allowing people to easily switch between public transport, bicycles and cars. There will also be a greater focus on sustainable mobility, with more space for pedestrians and cyclists as well as environmentally friendly transport options. Overall, the mobility of the future will be more connected, greener and more flexible to meet the demands of a growing and urbanized world. The Table.Briefings editorial team reports on how the topic of mobility is progressing and has all the news, analyses and background information.
