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First winner of Innovation Award announced

Valeria Gassani of Autotrade and Logistics S.p.A in Italy has scooped the inaugural Award for Innovation in Finished Vehicle Logistics, which was presented by Steve Jones, Group Managing Director of Vehnet Limited, at the Annual General Meeting of the ECG - the Association of European Vehicle Logistics - held in Munich in October.

The Award was established by Vehnet, to encourage students and alumni of the ECG Academy to ‘think out of the box’ in developing creative new initiatives for the future of the industry.

Valeria’s winning submission, a proposal to improve the vehicle damage control process using 3D laser technology, secured an engraved crystal trophy, together with a prize of one thousand euros, free entry to the ECG conference and subsequent free entry into any Automotive Logistics Conference worldwide, courtesy of Ultima Media.

“The Annual Vehnet Award for Innovation aims to offer an opportunity for alumni of the ECG Academy to demonstrate their vision for the future of Finished Vehicle Automotive Logistics by submitting an essay with innovation as the primary theme,” Steve Jones explains. “Criteria include practical relevance, customer benefit, creativity and above all, innovation.”

The judging panel included President of the ECG Frits Mehrtens, Steve Jones and Josef Decker from the German Logistics Academy, DLA.

Commenting on her Award, Valeria said, “I am thrilled to have won and that my ideas have been recognized in this way, both by the ECG Academy and by Vehnet, a company with a reputation for keeping its clients ahead of competitors through innovation.”

She adds, “The Academy brought together 23 students from 21 companies in 10 different countries on the course I attended, which offered valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and views, as well as fostering new ideas. The Vehnet Award for Innovation has given me the platform to develop my own idea, which I hope will eventually become a reality and bring true benefit to the sector.”  

Steve Jones concluded, “I am delighted that Valeria has achieved this first Award for Innovation in the face of strong competition, and hope that it serves to encourage talented young people in Finished Vehicle Logistics. Vehnet is strongly committed to this important industry – as well as to the principles of the ECG Academy - and we look forward to promoting further excellence in this sphere amongst young logisticians of the future."

Ends.