Category: In the News

Tech Training Transition, Today!

For the first time in history, workers from Detroit’s Big Three automakers have decided to go on strike simultaneously. After failing to reach a new deal by 11:59 pm this past Thursday night, United Auto Workers’ President Shawn Fain directed workers from the largest union in America to walk off the line at three assembly plants: the GM factory in Wentzville, Missouri, a Stellantis plant in Toledo, Ohio, and a Ford plant in Wayne, Michigan. As a part of Shawn Fain’s “standup strike” strategy, only 13,000 of the 150,000 workers in the UAW are on strike right now, but more shutdowns are threatened at a moment’s notice if negotiations do not proceed as planned. UAW workers are striking for a variety of improved benefits including a 40% increase in wages, better retiree healthcare, and the restoration of lost pension benefits. Many within the UAW see the successes of the OEMs, especially with the increasingly massive adoption of EVs as the perfect time to field their demands for matching improvements in pay and benefits. Antiquated mindsets have left the average worker in the dust, but OEMs have a once in a generation opportunity to reframe their relationship with workers and unions as this strike progresses. For the last century, the relationship between worker and employer has evolved quite significantly. The advent of collective bargaining in the automotive workplace during the 1930s, 40s, and 50s laid the groundwork for the modern relationships between unions like the UAW and Detroit’s Big 3 OEMs. Decades of negotiations and strikes defined the pay, hours, and benefits that the average worker receives in 2023, but as technology rapidly advances within the smart vehicle and EV spaces, the needs of these workers (and of the OEMs) have suddenly been turned upside down. OEMs have traditionally considered their factory employees blue collar workers, more akin to electricians, machinists, or even plumbers. This mindset is outdated however, as cars increasingly do not require the assembly of engine parts and transmissions, but instead of high-tech motors and batteries. Perhaps thinking of line workers as high-tech employees is where the real future lies. It is no secret that the realities of manufacturing are changing significantly. The last twenty years have seen the rise of automation within manufacturing. More and more “robots” and other high tech industrial systems are being implemented, requiring fewer and fewer people to do the same jobs. For example, an engine assembly line that required 100 people in 1995 may only need a fraction of that total to function today. Even on traditional ICE assembly lines, what is required of the workers has been changing for years. Now, as EVs gain traction and automakers dedicate more and more of their time, capacity, and resources to their development and production, these workers will need to be reoriented and retrained to do things essential to EV production. As a part of an eventual deal reached with the UAW, OEMs will need to consider how high tech cars require more high tech workers, and how the benefits afforded to their tech employees should align with the technological intricacies of modern EVs. According to Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI), battery plant employees in Lordstown, OH are making $16/hour, while employees at a neighboring McDonalds are making $23/hour. Pay issues like this are partially a symptom of the enormous cost undertaken by OEMs to retool their factories for EV production, modernize old facilities, comply with Federal regulations on material sourcing, and incorporate all of the advanced “smart” mobility technologies that consumers now demand into new vehicles. Detroit’s Big 3 along with other auto manufacturers have justified the lagging pay and benefits as an inevitable cost-saving measure, arguing that consumers will struggle to afford new EVs if union demands are met. Moreover, the Big 3 are competing against competitors that do not have unionized labor, squeezing profitability even further. While these concerns do have some merit in the short term, a reoriented mindsight shows that treating plant employees as high tech workers and investing in them as such will pay off in the long run. And unlike McDonald’s, which already struggles to staff their franchises, OEMs will have an increasingly hard time hiring high-tech workers for entry level wages, potentially leading to harmful staffing shortages. The requirements of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will continue to constrict OEMs and incentivize them to build more EVs in America, and by investing in workers today, OEMs will be better prepared to shift over to all electric vehicle production within the next 10-15 years. Strikes are a complex matter. Disagreeing leaders are forced to come to a compromise on nearly non-negotiable terms, sometimes accepting sub-optimal outcomes. Complexity doesn’t even begin to describe the difficulties of negotiating a deal between three of the largest corporations in the world and 150,000 workers in 2023. Despite this though, there are solutions which are mutually beneficial to the OEMs and UAW alike. With some shrewd negotiations and a focus on a better future, the OEMs and the workers will be able to come to an agreement and work together to forge a path through this brave new world. Learn more about how the AutoMobility Advisors team can help you and your business seize the amazing opportunities to serve the new mobility market. Click on the link below and get in touch, we’d love to talk with you!

Electric – Connected – Predictive

As the automotive industry transitions towards EVs, many important questions have arisen about maintaining these increasingly complex and expensive vehicles.

George Ayres: The Mobility ‘Matchmaker’ featured at Driving Mobility Podcast

“Meet the mobility ‘matchmaker’ who connects established auto companies and scrappy startups to collaborate, innovate“ In a recent episode of the “Driving Mobility” podcast series by ParkMyFleet hosted by Michele Pierog, George Ayres, the Managing Director of AutoMobility Advisors, shares valuable insights into the dynamic mobility industry. The episode, titled “Meet the mobility ‘matchmaker’ who connects established auto companies and scrappy startups to collaborate and innovate,” provides a comprehensive look at the ever-evolving mobility landscape. Throughout the podcast, Ayres, drawing from his extensive three-decade-long career in the mobility sector, explains his crucial role as a bridge between established automotive giants and ambitious startups. He helps both parties navigate product planning, sales management, and business development. A central theme of the conversation is the importance of collaboration in the mobility industry. Ayres emphasizes that success in this field hinges on working together. It involves aligning the innovative drive of startups with the resources and industry knowledge of established players. The mobility industry is constantly changing due to factors such as electrification, sustainability, and evolving consumer preferences. Ayres discusses the vital importance of adaptability and innovation to thrive in this fast-changing environment. Lastly, the podcast explores the concept of “success” in the mobility industry. Beyond just market share and financial metrics, Ayres and Pierog discuss the broader societal impact of success, which involves reshaping transportation for the benefit of society. As the mobility sector undergoes a profound transformation, George Ayres emerges as a guiding figure, ensuring that startups and established companies find common ground to advance the industry. The podcast offers valuable insights into Ayres’ role as the mobility “matchmaker” and the promising future of transportation. Listen to it here: RSS: https://player.rss.com/drivingmobility/1103812 or in Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eYPVi5yM

George Ayres featured at the EisnerAmper podcast

In the rapidly changing landscape of the automotive industry, staying ahead of the curve has never been more critical. George Ayres, the founder and Managing Director of AutoMobility Advisors, was recently featured on the EisnerAmper podcast with Aimann Rasheed, and discussed the topic of “Digital Transformation in Automotive.” The podcast provided a glimpse into the future of the automotive industry, which is currently undergoing a profound transformation, largely driven by advancements in digital technology. Topics ranged from connected vehicles and autonomous driving to smart manufacturing and data analytics. George shared his vision of what lies ahead for the industry, emphasizing the pivotal role of digital transformation. One of the central themes of the conversation was the importance of embracing technology within the automotive world. George, through his experience at AutoMobility Advisors, underscored how digital transformation can enhance various aspects of the industry, from improving customer experiences to optimizing supply chain management. By harnessing the power of data and automation, automotive companies can streamline operations, reduce costs, and ultimately deliver a superior product to their consumers. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that no transformation comes without its set of challenges, and the automotive industry’s digital journey is no exception. George Ayres and Aimann Rasheed delved into the hurdles that companies may encounter during this transformative process. These challenges encompass concerns related to data security, adapting to new business models, and managing the complexities of integrating digital technologies into traditional automotive processes. Despite these challenges, the conversation also highlighted the tremendous opportunities that await those who can navigate them successfully. In a world where customer expectations are constantly evolving, George Ayres emphasized the importance of adopting a customer-centric approach. He pointed out that by leveraging digital tools, automotive companies can better understand their customers’ needs and preferences. This deep understanding allows them to create tailored experiences and products that resonate with their target audience, thereby fostering customer loyalty and satisfaction. To hear George Ayres and Aimann Rasheed’s engaging conversation, you can listen to the full podcast episode here. Stay tuned for more exciting discussions and insights from industry experts on the EisnerAmper podcast. Don’t forget to follow the conversation using the hashtags #EisnerAmperPodcast and #AutoMobilityAdvisors on social media.

Broken Record

With summer winding down, one theme dominated headlines around the world for the last two months: record heat. Temperatures from California to Greece reached record highs, with hundreds of millions of people locked in a months-long pattern of extreme temperatures with little relief. In Phoenix alone, residents experienced a mind-boggling and dangerous record of 31 consecutive days with high temperatures over 110 degrees Fahrenheit. In Asia, the Caribbean, and in Europe, countries faced unprecedented stretches of heat with the Italian region of Sardinia hitting nearly 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Coupled with abnormally dry conditions, hugely popular tourist destinations such as Rhodes and Maui faced massive fires killing hundreds of people and causing billions of dollars worth of damage. It is evident that summer is getting hotter and more dangerous. The question is, what can the auto industry do to speed up efforts to change the vehicle mix and help combat climate change? Great progress has been made in the last 15 years in the development and adoption of both EVs and importantly connected car services. EVs have captured a significant minority of global new car sales, increasing from 4% of new car sales in 2020 to 14% in 2022. .Likewise, according to research done by Smartcar, 91% of all vehicles sold in the United States in 2020 were connected to the internet, bringing advanced features to customers and moving the industry closer to the concept of software defined vehicles. These high-tech advancements were intended not only to improve the customer experience, but also to lessen the automotive industry’s impact on climate change. EVs are projected to phase out ICE powered vehicles, eliminating tailpipe emissions, while connected vehicle software will optimize the user experience and efficiency of vehicles. Despite these efforts however, climate change is not slowing down, and a variety of new problems have arisen that significantly impact the benefit afforded by EVs and advanced connected car technologies. These issues range from vehicle wear, to power grid drain, to rare earth material (REM) shortages. An article published last week by The Drive reported that the tires on Rivian’s R1T and R1S models are wearing out in as few as 6,000 miles. Rivians are notably very heavy and have massively powerful electric motors able to propel the three and a half ton vehicles to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. But the incredible power and weight of these EVs have seemingly left the tires fitted to the vehicles outclassed, creating the potential for an enormous increase in rubber waste and ownership expenses. As EVs become larger, heavier, and faster this problem will only increase, fueling the current environmental crisis and apprehension about EV adoption.  In the Sun Belt, the dangerously hot summer conditions caused the need for around the clock air conditioning in spaces across most of the affected states, It was reported by Arizona Public Service that July 14th and 15th each set records for the highest consumer power demand in the state’s history. And Arizona’s power supply runs mostly on natural gas, which while better than coal, still contributes to the pollution of the atmosphere. Higher temperatures caused by climate change require more air conditioning, which in turn creates more pollution. EVs are not responsible for this situation, but their increasing need for power may have long term impacts on states still utilizing fossil fuel power generation methods. So increased demand from consumers to cool their homes and charge their EVs fuels a vicious cycle fueling the climate crisis. All of these issues in conjunction with the exponential growth in chip demand for high-tech vehicles has forced the auto industry to face unexpected and sometimes uncomfortable questions about their collective efforts to combat climate change. The news is not all bad however, as the products and services that are having unintended consequences on the climate may also be able to help solve them. Though costly, measures such as bi-directional charging, where EVs contribute excess power back into a home or the grid could be implemented as a way to shed some of the electrical load caused by extreme weather. A less expensive alternative that is available today is interruptible charging, in which vehicle charging can be remotely controlled and suspended while plugged into home chargers during the hours where electricity demand is at its highest. Another option is smart routing which could bring down the environmental cost of ownership and help offset the climate impact of bringing new technology into vehicles. It is inevitable that EVs will continue to gain market share, and software defined vehicles will become the industry standard. With creative and proactive solutions such as those mentioned above, the automotive industry will be able to more successfully contribute to the struggle against climate change, working to safeguard the world for future generations. All of us in the automotive industry can make a big difference.

Dan Teeter moderates a panel discussion on “Expectations of Vehicle Connectivity in a Rapidly Evolving World” at Auto Tech: Detroit

On Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 I attended a great panel discussion at Auto Tech: Detroit on “Expectations of Vehicle Connectivity in a Rapidly Evolving World”. Industry experts Dan Teeter, Advisory Director of AutoMobility Advisors; Greg Geiselhart, VP of Sales and Marketing of WirelessCar and Denise Barfuss, Senior Manager, Marketing & Operations, Connected Vehicles, Nissan Motor Corporation shared their insights. Stephen Bell, Chief Analyst of Connectivity at Wards Intelligence, skillfully moderated the discussion. The panel explored challenges, opportunities, and the impact of vehicle connectivity on the automotive industry. Topics discussed included advanced connectivity features, AI and machine learning, privacy, and security considerations, and the potential of connected vehicles. Well attended and overall a great discussion. All gained valuable insights into the future of vehicle connectivity.

NYC Auto Show 2023

AMA Featured Event NYC AUTO SHOW 2023 The New York International Auto Show 2023 The New York International Auto Show 2023 was an exciting event for car enthusiasts from all over the world. We had the opportunity to attend the show, and it was a great experience. We were able to witness the unveiling of some of the most anticipated electric vehicles in the market, including the 2024 EV Jeep Wrangler and the 2024 EV Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. The unveiling of the 2024 EV Jeep Wrangler, was one of the most anticipated cars at the show. The new electric Jeep Wrangler is an impressive vehicle that combines the classic look of the Wrangler with a powerful electric drivetrain. The new Wrangler is also equipped with advanced features like regenerative braking and a range of over 300 miles on a single charge. We were all impressed with the Jeep’s new design and capabilities, and we couldn’t wait to test drive it in the future. Another electric car that caught our attention was the 2024 EV Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. The new Subaru Crosstrek is designed for off-road adventures, and it is the perfect car for those who love to explore the great outdoors. The Crosstrek Wilderness is equipped with a powerful electric drivetrain that provides a range of over 300 miles, making it perfect for long road trips. The car is also equipped with a number of advanced features, including a terrain management system, hill descent control, and more. Another car at the show was the Disney-branded Hyundai Ioniq 5. This electric car is a collaboration between Hyundai and Disney, and it features a unique design that is inspired by the famous Mickey Mouse character. The Ioniq 5 is also equipped with advanced features like wireless charging and a range of over 300 miles on a single charge. The car is perfect for families who want to enjoy a fun and eco-friendly ride.   Not to be missed, Nintendo, the famous video game company, teamed up with Toyota to create a vehicle that is designed specifically for gaming on the go. The car itself is based on an existing model but has been modified extensively to include a built-in Nintendo Switch console and a variety of other features that make it the ultimate gaming vehicle. So fun! Overall, the New York International Auto Show 2023 was an amazing experience. We had the opportunity to see some of the most innovative and exciting electric cars on the market, and we were impressed with the advanced technology and design features of each vehicle. We look forward to seeing these cars on the road in the near future, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for the electric vehicle industry.     NADA 2024 CES 2024 AutoTech Electrification 2023 MOVE America 2023 Auto Tech: DETROIT 2023 NYC Auto Show 2023 Ducati 2023 NAB Show 2023 CES 2023 Next >Close NADA 2024 CES 2024 AutoTech Electrification 2023 MOVE America 2023 Auto Tech: DETROIT 2023 NYC Auto Show 2023 Ducati 2023 NAB Show 2023 CES 2023 Let us help you succeed in AutoMobility! Edit Template Contact Us Today Name Email Message Send Edit Template Get to Know Us About Our Team Consulting Services Events AMA News Get the AutoMobility Roadmap Newsletter White Papers & Reports AMA Thought Leadership Let’s Connect Contact Us Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on YouTube Copyright @2024 AutoMobilityAdvisors, All Rights Reserved. Edit Template

The Weakest Link

This is part two of a three part series on the development of EVs and their supporting infrastructure in the United States. It is said that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. In terms of the transition away from internal combustion engines towards electric vehicles, charging stations are the said “weakest link.” As essential as gas stations used by their ICE counterparts, EV charging stations are a fast developing but greatly lagging piece of the EV adoption puzzle in the United States. According to the White House in February, there are currently about 130,000 charging stations across the country which service three million or so EVs. Five years ago, the number was a little over half of that. While growing steadily for the last 10 years, the need for car charging stations is on the cusp of an explosion. The Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) actively encourages and incentivizes the mass adoption of both light EVs and medium/heavy duty commercial EVs, which will require significantly more powerful and larger charging stations. If the US is to expect tens of millions of new light EVs, medium duty EVs, and heavy duty EVs to hit the road by 2030, substantial steps need to be taken to make sure that there are enough charging stations to meet the massive demand.  https://www.linkedin.com/embeds/publishingEmbed.html?articleId=7033500277189233670&li_theme=light The first step will be to provide funding for companies to build the required number of charging stations to meet this demand. S&P Global, a NYC based financial analytics company, estimates that by 2027, the United States will need 1.2 million level 2 chargers and 109,000 level 3 chargers to meet the EV electricity demands. This is a stark increase from current capabilities, and at an estimated need of a 10 to 1 ratio of EVs to charging stations, it will take quite some time to reach these goals. Fortunately however, the Biden administration just this past week announced that over $2.5 billion in funding will be made available to local, city, and county governments for the express purpose of building more EV charging stations and expanding the availability of chargers to underserved areas. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said in the White House press release that “extending EV charging infrastructure into traditionally underserved areas will ensure that equitable and widespread EV adoption takes hold,” and will ensure “that charging stations more visible and accessible in our communities addresses the concerns many American drivers have when considering making the switch to electric.”  So already, steps are being taken in the right direction to meet infrastructure demands.  https://www.linkedin.com/embeds/publishingEmbed.html?articleId=8836377427900808895&li_theme=light The second step for EV charging will be to fix the chronic reliability issues that plague the current charging network. According to a J.D. Power study and recently reported by Automotive News, between Q1 2021 and Q3 2022, failed charging attempts rose from 15% to 21%, and in the last year, nearly 2 in 5 charging attempts were unsuccessful. If the average American is expecting to be able to rely upon an EV to get them from point A to point B, a near 40% failure rate to “refuel” their car will not be sustainable. Reasons for these failures can include out of service chargers, vandalism, software problems, and payment processing issues. These errors are partially caused by the volume of traffic received by each station, with some stations having nearly no downtime at all because of availability issues. This creates a vicious cycle in which there are not enough charging stations, so the ones that do exist are strained to the point where they break, therefore causing less charging stations to be available overall, and so on. To fix the overall problem, some of the resources dedicated to building the new charging stations need to be used to shore up the already existing charging infrastructure dotting the US.  https://www.linkedin.com/embeds/publishingEmbed.html?articleId=9178542192637438259&li_theme=light The EV charging station situation is not optimal or perfect by any means, but when a revolutionary new technology enters the market, there are always bound to be some bumps along the road towards implementation. Continued investment from private companies and at all levels of government will be required to fix the problems outlined above, but fortunately great funding and emphasis is already being put into this widely acknowledged problem. The goal of the US government is to create a seamless transition to EVs in which charging a car has the same level of convenience as filling a car up at a gas station, and by dedicating a combined total of $7.5 billion to doing so, it shows that the necessary funding and support exist to make it a reality. Stay tuned in two weeks for Part 3 of AMA’s story on the development of EV infrastructure in the United States. Learn more about how the AutoMobility Advisors team can help you and your business seize the amazing opportunities to serve the new mobility market. Click on the link below and get in touch, we’d love to talk with you! #evcharginginfrastructure #evcharging #ev #electricvehicles #futuremobility #newmobility #connectedvehicles #digitaltransformation #AutoMobility Advisors

AutoMobility Advisor visits 2hire in Rome!

AutoMobility Advisor’s Dan Teeter, Hayden Teeter and family recently had the opportunity to visit one of our clients, 2hire, at their headquarters in Rome, Italy. As a leading technology company in intelligent and connected mobility solutions, 2hire is dedicated to creating a connected world by connecting vehicles, bridging them with services and people. This mission aligns perfectly with AutoMobility Advisor’s focus on providing innovative solutions to their clients in the automotive industry. Dan and Hayden’s visit provided a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of 2hire’s operations, as well as to build stronger relationships with the company’s leadership team. One of the highlights of Dan’s visit, was the great insight into the innovative technology solutions 2hire is developing, the company’s commitment to sustainability, and the ways in which they are building a strong company culture. AutoMobility Advisor is working with 2hire to help them achieve their goals and make a positive impact on the world. Overall, Dan and Hayden Teeter’s visit to 2hire’s headquarters provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of intelligent and connected mobility solutions. Here at AutoMobility Advisors are proud to be part of the innovative work being done by 2hire, and hope to inspire others in the industry to embrace new technologies and work towards a more connected, sustainable future.