We are thrilled to announce a special event scheduled for January 17th at 10 am ET, featuring George Ayres, Managing Director of AutoMobility Advisors, in conversation with Chris Feuell, CEO of Chrysler Brand at Stellantis. Hosted by the Women Automotive Network, this engaging virtual session will center around the topic of ‘Marketing to Women and Marketing Yourself.’
George Ayres, an experienced professional deeply rooted in the automotive industry, will lead the conversation. Serving as the Managing Director of AutoMobility Advisors, he is a recognized thought leader with a keen understanding of industry trends and dynamics. This discussion presents a special opportunity for participants to gain insights into successful strategies for marketing to the influential demographic of women consumers.
Joining Ayres for this discussion is Chris Feuell, CEO of the Chrysler Brand at Stellantis. Recognized as a trailblazing woman CEO in automotive, Feuell stands at the helm of one of the most iconic brands in the industry. With an extensive background and a proven track record of leadership, she brings a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the conversation. Her role as CEO positions her uniquely to share valuable insights, making her a compelling addition to this exploration of marketing and leadership in the automotive landscape.
This conversation will provide valuable insights into marketing strategies for women in the automotive industry. Understanding and connecting with this demographic have become increasingly critical with shifting consumer preferences. Ayres and Feuell will discuss marketing intricacies and touch on broader aspects of leadership and personal branding.
Take advantage of this opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge from industry leaders. Save the date on your calendars and stay tuned for more details on how to join this informative conversation on January 17th.
Connect with us and we’ll keep you in the loop of what events are coming up next!
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Join us for a free webinar on December 4, 2023, at 12:45 pm EST, featuring Automobility Advisors’ directors George Ayres, Dan Teeter, and Chip Goetzinger.
The panel will be discussing: “How To Use Connected Vehicle Data To Improve The EV Experience”.
Save your spot now and stay informed about the latest advancements in EV technology.
The EVs for Everyone Podcast, hosted by Elena Ciccotelli, kicks off the episode of “Insights from Autotech Electrification in Detroit” in a conversation with George Ayres from AutoMobility Advisors. Recorded live at the AutoTech Electrification conference in Detroit, this episode captures Ayres’ insights drawn from his extensive automotive background and dynamic participation in various panel discussions focused on the consumer adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) –Check out the upcoming webinar event “How To Use Connected Vehicle Data To Improve The EV Experience” to take place on December 4th here
Ayres talks about the intricate landscape of the rapidly expanding EV market, providing his perspective on the challenges and opportunities that shape the commercial electrification domain. His observations and strategic considerations offer our audience a comprehensive overview, and understanding of the industry’s evolving dynamics.
Throughout the conversation, George underscores the transformative potential embedded in connected vehicles, emphasizing the crucial role of collaborative efforts among companies within the electrification ecosystem. The episode concludes as Ayres delves into Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and usage-based insurance, highlighting the continued convergence of safety, technology, and insurance within the automotive industry.
October 17-18, 2023 Fort Pontchartrain, a Wyndham Hotel Detroit, MI, USA
Thank You to Our AutoTech Electrification Event Participants
We are filled with gratitude and excitement as we reflect on the success of our participation in the recent AutoTech Electrification event in Detroit. It was a gathering that brought together industry experts, innovators, and enthusiasts, creating a dynamic space for discussions on the transformative shift towards automotive electrification.
The ongoing transformation of the automotive industry has never been more evident, and the shift towards vehicle electrification has taken center stage. This transition is not merely about cleaner and more sustainable transportation; it represents a commitment to reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and driving technological advancements that will shape the future of mobility.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all who participated in this EVent.
The AutoTech Electrification event was great for staying updated on industry developments, allowing us to deepen our understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
As Automobility Advisors, we are committed to being at the forefront of industry advancements. This event provided invaluable networking opportunities, enabling us to expand our industry connections and foster collaborations that will undoubtedly shape the future of clean and sustainable transportation. The relationships formed and insights gained will play a crucial role in our ongoing efforts to contribute to the positive transformation of the automotive landscape.
If you share our passion for the future of the automotive industry and its electrification journey, we invite you to join us at future events and continue this important conversation. Together, we can drive change, promote sustainability, and build a future where clean and efficient transportation is not just a goal but a reality.
Once again, thank you to all who contributed to the success of the AutoTech Electrification event. Your participation and shared commitment to a sustainable automotive future inspire us to continue pushing forward towards innovation.
We’re pleased to announce that Automobility Advisors will be participating in the upcoming AutoTech Electrification event in Detroit, taking place on October 17th and 18th. This event is a pivotal gathering for industry experts, innovators, and enthusiasts to come together and discuss the transformative shift towards automotive electrification.
The ongoing transformation of the automotive industry is evident, with the shift toward vehicle electrification taking center stage. This transition is not just about cleaner and more sustainable transportation; it’s about reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and driving technological advancements. Electrification presents opportunities for job creation and long-term cost savings for consumers, and it’s clear that automakers, tech companies, and industry experts are fully embracing this electric revolution.
The AutoTech Electrification event in Detroit is a cornerstone for staying updated on industry developments, and Automobility Advisors is thrilled to be part of it. We look forward to the networking opportunities the event will provide, enabling us to expand our industry connections and foster collaborations that will shape the future of clean and sustainable transportation. If you’re passionate about the future of the automotive industry and its electrification journey, we invite you to join us at the AutoTech Electrification event in Detroit.
The 2020s will one day be remembered as the era of mass electric vehicle adoption. Every quarter, the market share for EVs grows, and it feels like every month another OEM is announcing a pledge to go all electric by the end of the decade. As consumers are urged to switch from ICE vehicles to EVs for private use, it is becoming more and more evident that EVs are the future of commercial vehicles. One of the primary drivers of EV adoption is the notion that doing so will drastically reduce carbon emissions. However, focusing solely on private vehicle sales, most of which are light or medium duty, overlooks the source of an enormous percentage of fossil fuel emissions. Medium and heavy duty vehicles such as semi trucks, box trucks, and buses are disproportionately large contributors to mobile source nitrogen oxide emissions. In fact, Congressional research has found that these types of vehicles emit 25% of all CO2 emissions from the US transportation sector. The mass adoption of medium and heavy duty EVs is an inevitability that the automotive industry needs to continue to encourage and work on in order to eliminate one of the largest sources of carbon emissions.
Image courtesy of Rivian
Currently, one of the most well known attempts at commercialized EV adoption has run into unexpected challenges. Rivian, an EV startup that took the market by storm with its R1S and R1T models, has been engaged in a massive contract for custom electric Amazon delivery vans. In 2019, Rivian and Amazon signed an agreement stating that Rivian was to produce and sell 100,00 electric delivery vans exclusively to Amazon by 2030. However, as of March 2023, Rivian was struggling to keep up production and meet the contractual obligations of their buyers, leading to a loss in stock value and some layoffs. Despite Rivian’s challenges, the demand for commercial EVs clearly exists and continues to grow. Amazon is one of a variety of massive logistics based companies, and their order for 100,000 vans will not be unique as other delivery services like FedEx and UPS move away from ICE vehicles and look to adopt EVs.
Image composition by Mariestella Colón Astacio
Aside from the EV van segment, there is a major push to replace diesel semi trucks with electric power. Earlier this year, the EPA passed a new set of regulations that will require combustion powered semi trucks to have an 80% reduction from current emissions levels by 2027. The technology required to adapt today’s diesel engines to these stringent regulations has been blasted by trucking companies as prohibitively expensive and unfeasible. Diesel truck ownership is becoming less financially viable, and under the terms of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the incentives for adopting heavy duty EVs make it effectively an economic no-brainer. The terms of the IRA provide for the Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle tax credit, which states that an incentive of up to $40,000 or 30% of the vehicles cost will be provided for electric and hydrogen vehicles over 14,000 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Instead of having to outfit very costly emissions control technology to existing fleets which harm the environment, companies will be able to receive significant tax breaks towards EVs. Moreover, the creation of new infrastructure to charge these EVs will be eligible for a $100,000 tax credit. Financially, the incentives to adopt electric technology in the commercial sector are undeniable.
Two Tesla Semi prototypes at a Supercharging station. Image composition by Mariestella Colón Astacio.
In response to these changes, companies such as Tesla, Volvo, Freightliner, and Peterbilt have invested a great deal of time, money, and effort into building semi trucks that meet the government’s new regulations and are eligible for adoption incentives. Tesla is currently producing the aptly named Semi model for PepsiCo, in which around 60 had been delivered by the start of summer 2023. This past week, it was reported that a Tesla Semi traveled over 1000 miles in a single day as a part of a study conducted by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency. Tesla states that the Semi has a range of almost 500 miles, while Volvo’s enhanced VNR truck is capable of going 275 miles on a single charge. Already boasting impressive range and hauling capacity, this first generation of commercial EV combination vehicles shows great promise towards transforming trucking in North America and across the world.
Image composition by Mariestella Colón Astacio
All across the industry, EVs are solidifying their place as the future of automotive technology. With billions of dollars of investment pouring in from national governments and the private sector, it is abundantly clear that electric technology is here to stay. More and more private and commercial consumers are literally buying into the EV market, and with pressure and incentive to conform to stricter regulations, it is inevitable that EVs will make up the lion’s share of vehicles on the road. The commercial EV segment is on the cusp of explosive growth, with demand increasing and companies working around the clock to turn EV dreams into reality. Only time will tell where the automotive industry goes, but it is nearly certain that electric commercial vehicles are here to stay.
Image courtesy of Ford E-Transit | Ford Media
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!
Dan Teeter and George Ayres with Craig Lozofsky of MOTER
We’ve just concluded our participation at MOVE America 2023, and I wanted to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who connected with us and made it a resounding success. MOVE America was a great event, a hub of innovation, collaboration, and inspiration. Your presence and connection truly made a difference.
George Ayres and Dan Teeter with Craig Lozofsky and Yohann Printer of GeoTab
Throughout the event, we had valuable discussions and explored potential collaborations, benefiting from the unique perspectives of both industry veterans and newcomers; startup founders and executives.
George Ayres and Chip Goetzinger are ready for business at MOVE America.George Ayres with Mark Ortiz of EVBOXNew connections at the MOTER booth.George Ayres, as always, having too much fun with Stefan Werner
I’d like to extend a special thanks to the MOVE America organizers and sponsors for their hard work in creating this fantastic platform. As we move forward, I’d love to continue the momentum. We’re excited about the possibilities and innovations that were set in motion during this event. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to explore potential partnerships, or share your thoughts! Thank you once again for making MOVE America 2023 a wonderful experience. Here’s to a future where mobility is smarter, more sustainable, and more inclusive, and to the wonderful connections we’ve forged along the way.
Connecting with old and new friends: Monte Nichols of Audi on Demand catching up with George AyresGeorge Ayres with Skip Fleniken and Tony Rangel of ONE Media 3.0New friends at the MOTER boothGeorge Ayres, Dat Teeter, Chip Goetzinger, Skip Fleniken and Tony Rangel of One Media 3.0A great meeting of the minds and the aptly named Group Therapy Restaurant!
Stay tuned for updates as we engage in discussions and collaborations that contribute to shaping the future of mobility and transportation.
Mariestella Colón Astacio, Monte Nichols, and George Ayres enjoying an evening in Austin.
I had the opportunity to attend a panel discussion at MOVE America featuring panelists: Monte Nichols, Executive VP and GM at Audi on Demand. John Possumato, Esq. Chief Executive Officer at DriveltAway.
During the discussion, both panelists shared valuable perspectives on e-commerce strategies shaping the future of mobility.
Monte Nichols discussed Audi on Demand, a premium app-based rental service accessible at select Audi dealerships. This service offers drivers a flexible rental experience, with options spanning daily, weekly, and monthly terms. Enhancing customer convenience, and dealership revenue opportunities through seamless pickup and delivery choices. Audi on Demand has substantially grown over time, encompassing a broader range of vehicles, dealerships, and innovative avenues for accessing Audi vehicles. Adding that their agile response to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly by integrating airport locations within Audi dealerships, demonstrated their adaptability in evolving circumstances.
Nichols also spoke about the potential for dealers to offer extended test drives as a means of making electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible to potential buyers who may not be ready for a purchase commitment, and underscored the importance of the insurance replacement market, which often leads to vehicle purchases post-collision repairs.
The key takeaway from Possumato’s standpoint is the imperative to make EVs accessible to a broader range of consumers, breaking the barriers to EVs access. The “pay as you go” model, as seen in Europe, offers a promising avenue for expanding EV adoption.
One of the presentations that stood out was a keynote by Witricity’s CEO Alex Gruzen. In his presentation, he spoke about the future of mobility as he envisions it, and it’s wireless.
Wireless charging solutions are rapidly becoming a high priority in our quest to integrate them seamlessly into the infrastructure of our cities and homes. Witricity, a pioneer in this field since 2007, has been at the forefront of this transformation.
From their integration with OEMs in 2012 to the upcoming 5th generation, the journey has been noteworthy.
The vision is clear: Passive charging through wireless infrastructure, creating an “energy cloud” that forms a virtual fleet of predictable wireless energy availability. This concept brings limitless range for consumers and opens doors to virtual power plans for utilities, enhancing the overall consumer experience and unlocking revenue opportunities across the network.
Witricity’s V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) ready product qualification and fast-track retrofit OEM integration in just 90 days pave the way for full-scale mass production in 3-4 years.
As we move towards a more electrified future, Witricity’s focus on making eMobility easy and efficient, if it realizes will perhaps someday soon, become an integral part of our everyday lives.
