The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has revealed the Region I Champions of the FIA Innovation Challenge 2026, celebrating the projects that are driving impactful mobility solutions across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Announced as Region I Champions at the FIA Region I Spring Meeting in Budva, Montenegro, were FIA Member Clubs:

• Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC, Germany) for its ‘Smart Roadside Collision Alert System’ project
• Automobile Association of Tanzania (AA, Tanzania) for its ‘Safe School Zone 360’ initiative
• Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC, United Kingdom) for its ‘Lizzie AI-Driven Digital Assistant’ for campsite discovery

With 34 submissions across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, more than double last year’s total of 15 projects, Member Clubs throughout Region I have continued to show leadership and innovation in supporting individuals and businesses with solutions for safer, more sustainable, and more affordable mobility.

The innovative solutions from the winning Clubs have demonstrated how advances in data and technology are helping to save lives and support member services across the Region.

The ADAC has developed an AI-powered early warning system to protect its emergency personnel responding to crashes, while the CAMC is bringing AI assistance to its members to help them identify the perfect campsite. In response to youth road safety, AA Tanzania is harnessing data and digital platforms to save lives in school zones.

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President said: “As we announce our Region I Champions for the FIA Innovation Challenge 2026, I am once again inspired by the incredible creativity, commitment, and impact of our Members across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

“Thank you to all of our Members who entered this year. Every initiative represents another way our global network is leading in delivering safer, more sustainable and more accessible mobility solutions.”

Deputy President for Automobile Mobility and Tourism, Tim Shearman said: “The quality and diversity of the projects entered this year demonstrates the extraordinary reach and power of our network to bring innovative solutions to road users.

“It is wonderful to see how the Innovation Challenge continues to grow, and that’s thanks to the work of our Members, who continue bringing new and innovative ideas to address key challenges in mobility and tourism.”

FIA Region I President Jorge F. Delgado said: “Spanning three continents, FIA Region I brings together a wealth of culture and experience, and this is reflected in the array of submissions and innovative solutions that we’ve seen this year.

“Road users in every country have their own specific challenges and needs, but with the diversity of our membership, FIA Region I is uniquely positioned to address these mobility challenges and share that knowledge across our network.”

The FIA Innovation Challenge is an annual contest promoting and celebrating impactful and scalable business and services projects from Member Clubs in the four global Mobility Regions across the FIA Network (Asia Pacific / Europe, Middle East and Africa / North America / South and Central America).

Three champions will be selected from each of the four Mobility Regions, with a global judging panel selecting one Global Winner from each Region, who will receive their awards at the FIA General Assemblies week in Shanghai, China, in December. 

The Winning Submissions:

Smart Roadside Collision Alert System (ADAC, Germany)

The ADAC responds to over 100,000 breakdowns and crashes on Germany’s motorways each year, where they are frequently at risk of serious and even fatal collisions. To protect the lives of its emergency personnel, the ADAC has developed an AI-powered video detection system that alerts responders and approaching vehicles whenever a collision risk is detected. Since its implementation last year, the ADAC aims to continue expanding the system, making it scalable and more accessible nationwide.

ADAC President Christian Reinicke said: “Every time our emergency responders arrive at a breakdown or crash, they put themselves at risk to give drivers the support they need and, when possible, get them back on the road.

“By harnessing the power of AI to alert emergency personnel before collisions occur, we’re providing proactive protection to keep them safe while they support drivers at the roadside.”

Safe School Zones 360 (AA, Tanzania)

Road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young people worldwide, making safety interventions around schools vital for protecting lives. Safe School Zone 360 is a digital monitoring system designed by AA Tanzania, which builds on previous infrastructure upgrades and training to track risks and identify areas for improvement in school zones through a standardised safety index and digital portal. Schools submit regular updates, enabling targeted support, continuous evaluation and evidence-based intervention.

AA Tanzania President Nizar Jivani said: “Protecting the lives of our children and young people on the road should be our number one priority, and this starts with ensuring the safety of roads around schools.

“Through Safe School Zone 360, we’re working with schools to share information, identify risks, and transform data into evidence-based action for road safety.”

Lizzie AI-Driven Digital Assistant (CAMC, United Kingdom)

Lizzie is an AI-powered digital assistant designed by the Caravan and Motorhome Club to revolutionise campsite discovery. Using advanced large language model technology and natural language processing, Lizzie provides human-like, conversational inspiration 24/7. Initially launched as a voice agent, Lizzie interprets complex member needs, matching hobbies and facilities to perfect locations, and will soon deliver instant booking links via WhatsApp. Lizzie represents a strategic shift towards proactive, personalised service, ensuring the Club remains a high-tech leader in this space.

Chair of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, David Turner said: “For over a century, we’ve worked to connect our members to the freedom and adventure of the great outdoors at more than 150 sites. 

“With Lizzie, we’re making it easier than ever for our members to discover destinations tailored to their interests, so they can plan with confidence, and enjoy personalised journeys across the UK.”