In São Paulo, Alstom brings together experts to discuss opportunities and challenges for mobility in Brazil
In São Paulo, Alstom brings together experts to discuss opportunities and challenges for mobility in Brazil
Communication Coordinator - Latin America
Vinicius Riqueto
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Marking Alstom’s 70th year of presence in the country, the Mobility Day brought together representatives from the public and private sectors to discuss ways of further improving local mobility options.
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The event featured discussion panels on the future of cities, investments in urban mobility, innovation, job creation and exports from Brazil.
10 October 2025 – Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, held a Mobility Day in São Paulo on 8 October, marking the company's 70th anniversary in Brazil. The event, which also coincides with preparations for COP30 in Brazil, brought together authorities and industry representatives to discuss the main challenges and opportunities for mobility in the country, including decarbonization and the future of cities; investments in urban mobility; innovation, job creation, and exports.
“Today, more than 6.6 million people in Brazil are transported daily by solutions where Alstom is involved”, said Suely Sola, Managing Director of Alstom in Brazil and Director of Signalling and Infrastructure for Latin America, opening the event. “More than ever, it is essential to discuss and co-create solutions addressing the challenges of urban mobility, which is a right and a driver of economic, social, and environmental development”.
"More than ever, it is essential to discuss and co-create solutions addressing the challenges of urban mobility, which is a right and a driver of economic, social, and environmental development."
For Bernard Peille, Vice President of Alstom Latin America, “Brazil is a strategic market for the company, not only because of its size, but also for the opportunities it presents to generate solutions impacting positively mobility throughout Latin America. Alstom's Taubaté factory is currently one of the company's ten largest units in the world, serving national and international projects in countries such as Chile, Romania, and Taiwan, demonstrating the reach and relevance of our Brazilian operation, which has become an international benchmark in engineering, production and innovation.
Pathway to decarbonized and inclusive urban mobility
The first panel “Pathway to decarbonized and inclusive urban mobility” emphasized urban mobility as a key driver for climate and social transformation as well as the challenges to overcome to ensure the transition is sustainable and accessible for cities.
With Brazil hosting COP 30 later this year in Belém, Alstom brought together national leaders in sustainability and mobility to discuss the crucial role that transport plays in addressing climate challenges.
The debate was moderated by Ana Patrizia Lira, Executive Director of ANPTrilhos; and featured Tomas Anker, Senior Investment Officer of the International Finance Corporation (IFC); Pedro Sutter, Vice President of Innovation, Risk and Sustainability at Motiva; Ricardo Sanchez, Head of Business Development and Concessions at Acciona; and Véronique Andriès, Vice President of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility at Alstom.
For Véronique Andriès, “mobility isn't just about moving people, but also about providing access to healthcare, education, and jobs. Decarbonizing urban mobility is more than an environmental goal: it's a social transformation. We need to ensure that cities grow equitably, with clean, accessible, and safe transportation for everyone, especially for future generations".
How to meet the need for investment in urban mobility in Brazil
The second panel addressed the challenges facing urban mobility in Brazil with regards to expanded investment in infrastructure and services to meet the growing population needs. Participants discussed how urban mobility projects have the potential to go beyond infrastructure, driving technological innovation, strengthening the national industry and creating job opportunities.
Moderated by Suely Sola, the panel featured Luciene Machado, Superintendent of the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES); Júlio Castiglioni, President of the São Paulo Metropolitan Company (CMSP); Roberto Garib, Deputy Secretary of the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC); and Augusto Almudin, Director of the São Paulo Partnership Company (CPP). "Mobility is one of the pillars of Brazil's sustainable development. Our commitment is to collaborate on solutions that combine innovation, inclusion and efficiency, ensuring that every investment in transportation translates into quality of life and opportunities for the population," said Suely Sola.
"Decarbonizing urban mobility is more than an environmental goal: it's a social transformation. We need to ensure that cities grow equitably, with clean, accessible, and safe transportation for everyone, especially for future generations."
Urban mobility: an opportunity for innovation, job creation and exports
The third and final panel of the Mobility Day discussed how urban mobility projects can become levers for innovation; the export and internationalization potential of Brazilian solutions in the sector; strengthening the national industry and creating jobs; and finally on pathways to sustainable and competitive growth in the sector.
Eric Farcette, Commercial and Government Relations Director at Alstom in Brazil, moderated the panel, which included Jorge Lima, Secretary of Development for the State of São Paulo; Pedro Marques, Head of Department at BNDES; Thierry Besse, Institutional Director of VINCI Concessions in Brazil and President of the France-Brazil Chamber of Commerce in São Paulo; and Vicente Abate, President of ABIFER (Brazilian Railway Industry Association). "Urban mobility has the potential to boost the entire economic ecosystem, from job creation to strengthening the national industry. When we invest in this sector, we are not only improving transportation but also creating opportunities for innovation and exports for Brazil," explained Eric.
