Carmageddon II to preview automotive business of the future

There's a window into the future opening up in Brisbane next week as technology experts from all walks of life present their prognosis for automotive innovation.

The forum is 'Carmageddon II, Leading the Way', a conference organised by the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ), and scheduled for Wednesday, July 12.

Back in March the MTAQ held a precursor event, 'Carmageddon – Innovate or Detonate', which catered to stakeholders from academic institutions, government and the private sector. Carmageddon II will expand on themes presented in the earlier conference, including the year 2022 as 'a tipping point' for the local automotive industry. According to the MTAQ, Carmageddon II will 'focus heavily' on innovative solutions for business.

"Nothing excites me more than exploring bleeding-edge technologies and using them to create opportunities and solve problems that businesses or individuals face," says Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz, keynote speaker and the Chair of PWC Digital Economy at QUT. The professor is committed to 'a robust digital economy' in Queensland and has a background in developing industry opportunities with broader global potential.

In addition to Professor Kowalkiewicz, Carmageddon II will feature presentations from Telstra, the Queensland Government and Commonwealth Bank. The topics for discussion will encompass virtual reality, artificial intelligence, data management and privacy, and electric/hybrid vehicle charging.

Virtual reality will change the way consumers interact with dealers and manufacturers.

The conference is a launchpad for MTAQ's automotive innovation hub, which the association expects will support start-ups, and existing businesses migrating to new business models.

"The innovation hub will engage across all automotive sectors with opportunities for mentors, investors, commercial partners and volunteers, and ultimately provide commercial digital solutions in an eco-system for entrepreneurship," said Dr Brett Dale, MTA Group CEO.

"MTA Queensland is committed to staying at the forefront of the digital revolution happening in the automotive industry.

"Carmageddon events are designed to provide insight and assist automotive businesses to make necessary changes to their business models to be able to capitalise on the impending disruptors."

Automotive industry staff are invited to attend for free, but should email the MTAQ to register their attendance.