Welcome Torsten Perner: Expanding the Mobycon DACH Team
We are delighted to welcome Torsten Perner to Mobycon’s growing DACH team. Joining us as a Strategic Advisor and based in our Berlin office, Torsten brings an inspiring mix of international experiences and a deep commitment to sustainable mobility. His arrival strengthens our ambition to shape people-centred mobility systems across the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) and beyond.
A Career Shaped by International Experience
With more than 25 years of experience in integrated mobility, Torsten has worked, amongst others, across Germany, Denmark, Norway, Poland, the Baltic countries, Libya, Kenya, and Tanzania. Throughout his career, one theme has remained constant: knowledge transfer on sustainable mobility. He is driven by understanding what is missing in a specific context and translating best practices into workable solutions tailored to the local conditions.
“There is no perfect solution for better mobility, but rather many inspiring examples from around the world. I am passionate about combining these solutions to improve people’s lives, and to help them become less dependent on the car, leading to more liveable and prosperous cities.”
In recent years, Torsten’s focus has increasingly centred on active mobility and the broader mobility transition. In his work, he combines strategic thinking with on-the-ground experience across very different cultural and infrastructural environments. From new tramway systems in Denmark or Norway and the modernisation of railway infrastructure in Poland, to inclusive cycling infrastructure in Germany.
His Danish background is difficult to hide, moving through Berlin on his cargo bike.
Where the passion began
Torsten’s interest in sustainable mobility goes back to his school days. Growing up in a small town in Germany, he noticed that many short trips were made by car, even though the time difference was barely any greater than walking or cycling. This early observation sparked questions about how mobility choices are shaped and how different they could be if our public space is designed accordingly. Over time, these reflections evolved into a professional passion for sustainable mobility, putting people, not vehicles, into focus.
Learning from cities around the world
Living in different cities and countries has influenced Torsten’s approach to transportation planning. Each place offers it’s own lessons. In Copenhagen, Torsten observed children cycling independently through the city with ease, a powerful sign of a safe and supportive mobility environment. Back in his hometown, Berlin, the number of cyclists has increased significantly in recent years, with many good infrastructure examples like protected bike lanes implemented during the pandemic and cycling streets. Meanwhile, in Nairobi, Torsten noticed how community-led movements can play a crucial role in reclaiming public space and making streets safer for everyone. Further, French cities are a great example of how modern public transport, historical environments, and active lifestyles can coexist, as seen in Montpellier.
Place de la Comédie in Montpellier: a central tram hub and place to meet.
Courage as a catalyst for change
Comparing Germany to the Netherlands, Torsten identifies one decisive factor: the courage to act. The Netherlands has consistently dared to test and implement bold mobility solutions, while Germany has often taken a more cautious approach. Even though many innovative ideas were explored there first, they were often not realised. For Germany, this presents a clear opportunity to embrace a more experimental mindset, that could accelerate the sustainable mobility transition. Torsten is excited to help lead this change, bridging the gap between vision and action to help cities move from hesitation to high-impact results.
Why Mobycon?
“Make the world less dependent on the car” is not only Mobycon’s mission, but has also been Torsten’s ambition for decades. He joined Mobycon for its unique blend of expertise, personal responsibility, and a proven track record of execution. Here, the team develops mobility solutions for cities and regions that are not only innovative, but also technically, economically, and politically viable. As Torsten put it:
“There couldn’t be a better match. Mobycon’s work proves that our mission is not just an ideal, it is a reality that creates more liveable and prosperous places.”
The Mobycon DACH team
Torsten’s arrival marks an exciting step for Mobycon. His expertise, international perspective, and passion will help us drive meaningful change, locally, regionally, and globally.
Would you like to discuss upcoming projects or opportunities with Torsten? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Together, we’re moving towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.
