Cover Across electric, autonomous, and upcycled classics, automotive innovation defines the future of mobility
Across electric, autonomous, and upcycled classics, automotive innovation defines the future of mobility
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From supercars to self-driving systems, automotive innovation led by young talent is transforming the global industry.
In today’s global auto industry, more and more young innovators are taking centre stage in shaping rapid change. They do not simply follow trends; they are the trends.
At a time when the velocity of technology, artificial intelligence and disruptive ideas is transforming every sector, a generation is leaving its imprint in a powerful way. They are not only mastering the new tools of the age but also using them to propel the century-old car industry forward. From solid-state batteries that allow a 10-minute charge, to operating systems built entirely from scratch, to modular EVs that can be “customised” like LEGO, these young talents are rewriting the language of mobility and placing automotive innovation in perpetual update mode.
Mate Rimac and high-performance electric vehicles
Mate Rimac (born 1988, Croatia) is the founder of Rimac Automobili. From a modest garage in his homeland, he transformed a passion for technology into a brand with global resonance. A visionary as well as entrepreneurial, Rimac has proved that electric cars can be both thrilling and sustainable.
Above Mate Rimac, founder of Rimac Automobili
Mate Rimac, founder of Rimac Automobili
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As a teenager, Rimac excelled at local, national and international competitions in electronics and innovation. At 19, he began converting a 1984 BMW 3 Series into an electric car by hand in his garage. By 23, he had unveiled his first all-electric supercar, the Concept One, in 2011.
Above As a teenager, Rimac excelled at local, national and international competitions in electronics and innovation
Above Rimac has redefined the electric car from an energy-saving vehicle to a symbol of speed and performance
As a teenager, Rimac excelled at local, national and international competitions in electronics and innovation
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Automotive innovation: Rimac has redefined the electric car from an energy-saving vehicle to a symbol of speed and performance. His Rimac C_Two concept was capable of accelerating from 0–100 km/h in under two seconds, a direct challenge to the supremacy of petrol-powered cars. In August 2022, it entered production as the Rimac Nevera, limited to only 150 units worldwide.
Above Rimac Nevera, a new chapter in the evolution of the luxury car market
Above Rimac C_Two, a new chapter in the evolution of the luxury car market
Rimac Nevera, a new chapter in the evolution of the luxury car market
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Impact: Beyond pioneering the electric supercar, Rimac has become a technology partner for automotive giants such as Porsche and Hyundai. In November 2021, his collaboration with Bugatti gave rise to Bugatti Rimac, marking a new chapter in the evolution of the luxury car market.
Above Beyond pioneering the electric supercar, Rimac has become a technology partner for automotive giants such as Porsche and Hyundai
Beyond pioneering the electric supercar, Rimac has become a technology partner for automotive giants such as Porsche and Hyundai
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I don’t want to build just another electric car. I want to create something that makes the whole world stop and take notice.
Sterling Anderson and the journey to create the future of self-driving cars
Sterling Anderson (born 1985, USA) is co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Aurora Innovation, now one of the world’s leading names in autonomous driving technology. Before launching Aurora with Chris Urmson and Drew Bagnell in 2017, Anderson was Autopilot Project Manager at Tesla, where he helped shape advanced driver-assistance features for the Model S and Model X.
Above Sterling Anderson, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Aurora Innovation
Sterling Anderson, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Aurora Innovation
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Since his years as a graduate student at MIT, Anderson has dedicated his automotive innovation research to human–machine interaction in semi-autonomous driving. This work has shaped his vision of self-driving systems that are safer, smarter and grounded in real-world application.
Above An advanced self-driving car model
An advanced self-driving car model
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Automotive innovation: Through Aurora Innovation, Sterling Anderson is pursuing the development of software and hardware for high-level (Level 4) autonomous vehicles, aimed at commercial uses such as trucks and robotaxis. At its core lies the Aurora Driver, an integrated system of sensors, perception software, motion planning and control capable of operating vehicles without human intervention in most road conditions. Aurora itself does not build the vehicles but partners with companies including Toyota, Volvo, Uber Freight and FedEx to embed its technology into their fleets.
Self-driving cars are not only about technology. They represent the chance to completely reimagine how we move and how we live.
Impact: Over the past decade, Sterling Anderson has been a defining presence in the self-driving sector. From helping roll out Tesla’s Autopilot to building a complete autonomous ecosystem at Aurora, he has consistently prioritised safety and scalability. His work is enabling the logistics industry to embrace automation, reducing costs, improving accuracy and lowering accident risks.
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David Lorenz reimagines classic cars as electric vehicles
David Lorenz (born 1986, UK) is the founder and CEO of Lunaz, a pioneer in “rebirthing” classic and industrial vehicles through electrification. Combining mechanical heritage with sustainable technology, Lorenz has positioned Lunaz as a champion of the upcycling movement in the automotive world.
Above David Lorenz, Founder and CEO of Lunaz
David Lorenz, Founder and CEO of Lunaz
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Innovation: Lunaz first made its mark by converting heritage models from Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar and Range Rover into electric cars, preserving their elegance while incorporating modern comforts such as Wi-Fi, satellite navigation and entertainment systems.
The company later expanded into industrial vehicles through Lunaz Applied Technologies, specialising in recycling and electrifying refuse trucks and lorries. In 2023, Lunaz secured a long-term partnership with Biffa, the UK’s leading waste management group, to convert more than 600 refuse trucks to electric power over seven years.
Above Classic lines, modern strength within
Above Classic lines, modern strength within
Classic lines, modern strength within
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Impact: David Lorenz is redefining the conversation on clean energy mobility, placing reuse and upcycling ahead of constant new manufacturing. He argues that every vehicle can have “two lives”, a philosophy that not only saves resources but also significantly cuts carbon emissions.
Above David Lorenz is redefining the conversation on clean energy mobility, placing reuse and upcycling ahead of constant new manufacturing
David Lorenz is redefining the conversation on clean energy mobility, placing reuse and upcycling ahead of constant new manufacturing
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I believe every car deserves at least two lives. Upcycling guides us towards a more sustainable future, breaking the wasteful cycle of constant renewal that harms the environment.
