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IAF Membership

Structure & Levels

Membership is defined by two dimensions: your pathway (who you are in the ecosystem) and your level (how deeply you participate). Levels are not “status” — they represent a balanced mix of access, responsibility and governance rights.

How Participation Evolves

Membership follows a simple principle: as participation grows, so do access, insight and opportunity — in ways that remain proportionate, flexible and aligned to each member’s context.

Your Starting Context

Members join from different parts of the mobility ecosystem — industry, public authorities, academia, civil society or professional practice. This context helps align you with the most relevant topics, forums and conversations from the outset.

Growing Engagement, Growing Value

As members choose to engage more actively, they may gain deeper insight, earlier visibility into work, and broader opportunities for collaboration and representation — always at a pace that fits their capacity.

Participation is designed to be flexible and trust-based. There are no rigid tiers or fixed obligations — increased access simply reflects sustained engagement, contribution and shared confidence.
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Membership Pathways

Pathways reflect the role you play. They help organise collaboration without changing the fairness of the platform.

Industry

OEMs, suppliers, mobility tech firms, EV innovators, and testing/service organisations.

Government / Regulatory

Ministries, safety agencies, public authorities and regulators.

Academic & Research

Universities, labs, research groups, think tanks and policy institutes.

Associations / NGOs

Industry associations, civil society groups and mission-driven organisations.

Professionals & Experts

Individual specialists contributing expertise, reviews and working-group outputs.

Students & Innovators

Early-career talent and startups seeking mentorship, visibility and structured collaboration.

Observer / Honorary

Invited contributors with advisory perspective; engagement scope is defined case-by-case.

Your pathway helps match you to relevant topics. Your level determines how deeply you participate and what rights you hold.
Benefits

Participation Levels

Levels are not “prestige.” They reflect access, responsibility and governance rights.

Associate
Level 1

Entry-level participation with clear onboarding and baseline access.

  • Member profile and directory listing
  • Briefings, updates and invitations
  • Limited consultation windows
  • No governance / voting rights
Participant
Level 2

Active engagement in committees/working groups with structured access.

  • Working group participation (as assigned)
  • Draft access and comment rounds
  • Role-based member portal access
  • Deliverables may be requested
Contributing
Level 3

Demonstrated contribution quality and reliability; deeper involvement.

  • Priority consideration for pilots
  • Draft reviews and technical notes
  • Task ownership and output delivery
  • Potential featured exposure (selective)
Strategic / Founding
Level 4

Advanced participation with governance/representation responsibilities (where applicable).

  • Advisory eligibility (as defined)
  • Representation pathways (selected cases)
  • Early access to new programmes
  • Higher visibility during founding phase
As engagement deepens and trust is built through meaningful contribution, access expands in a proportionate and transparent way.
Early & Founding Benefits

How Engagement Evolves Over Time

Engagement depth is shaped at the start of membership and may naturally evolve over time, reflecting participation, shared trust and ongoing contribution.

Initial Alignment

At the start of membership, engagement is aligned based on the member’s role, stated interests, relevant experience and intended areas of contribution — ensuring a smooth and relevant entry into activities.

Ongoing Reflection & Adjustment

Over time, engagement may be adjusted to reflect how participation develops — focusing on consistency, usefulness of contributions and responsible collaboration.

Participation

Regular engagement in agreed forums, working discussions, consultations and briefings, at a level that fits the member’s availability.

Shared Outputs

Contributions to agreed outputs — such as reviews, technical notes, discussion inputs, pilot activities or shared position drafts.

Contribution Quality

Practical, evidence-informed input that supports shared understanding, comparability and constructive progress.

Trust & Integrity

Transparent handling of interests, respectful interaction, and responsible use of shared information and resources.

How Engagement Deepens
  • Deeper engagement may develop over time when participation is consistent and both the member and the federation see value in closer collaboration.
  • Engagement may be adjusted if activity levels change or priorities shift, ensuring participation remains meaningful and proportionate.
  • Representation roles (where applicable) are typically associated with sustained trust, transparency and experience within the community.

Quick Questions

No. Level is primarily based on engagement depth, contribution maturity and integrity safeguards. The goal is to align access and responsibility — not to rank members by size.

Yes. Levels can be upgraded or adjusted based on participation, delivered outputs, quality of input and code-of-conduct compliance.

Upgrades and special participation roles are decided through a structured review process and committee governance, with conflict-of-interest safeguards where applicable.
Next recommended read: Application Process.

Next: Application Process

See the step-by-step application flow, required materials, review stages and what happens after approval.

IAF’s Global Member Network

From regional OEMs to global tech pioneers, IAF unites a diverse community committed to shaping tomorrow’s mobility.

  • Active global outreach across key mobility regions
  • Strategic onboarding of founding corporate & expert members
  • Monthly roundtables, knowledge-sharing & draft consultations
  • Early-stage collaborations with research & policy networks

…and many more benefits designed to amplify your impact in the evolving mobility ecosystem.

Join the Federation

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Global Mobility

Be part of a powerful movement driving safer, smarter, and more sustainable transportation systems worldwide. Connect with leaders, influence policies, and co-create the automotive innovations of tomorrow with the International Automotive Federation.